Shang Wu rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on. This child, who usually seemed lively and cheerful, was actually sensitive and stubborn when it came to emotions.
"Xiaowu, when it comes to matters of the heart, sometimes you need a little opportunity and a little excitement."
Shang Wu put down the fruit, held her daughter's hand, and patiently comforted her, "Perhaps Luo Jun's appearance made him see clearly what he was really afraid of losing, which catalyzed his actions."
But this doesn't negate the sincerity of his actions. He was willing to completely sever ties with relatives he'd known for years for your sake; that resolve is genuine.
Lu Yuwu pursed her lips and didn't speak, but her eyes flickered slightly, clearly indicating that she had taken her mother's words to heart.
Seeing her conflicted expression, Shang Wu felt secretly anxious.
She desperately wanted to tell her daughter that she only had three days.
But she couldn't.
She promised the old man she wouldn't tell her daughter in advance, because she was afraid that her daughter would rush into reconciliation with Fu Yan to avoid an arranged marriage, without fully understanding her own feelings. That would be unfair to both of them and would pose greater risks in the future.
She could only suppress her anxiety and gently pat her daughter's hand: "Mom knows you have something on your mind and need time to process it, but some opportunities, once missed, may never come again. Think it over carefully and follow your heart. Whatever decision you make, Mom and Dad will support you."
After comforting her daughter, Shang Wu returned to the master bedroom with a heavy heart.
Lu Rang was leaning against the headboard reading a book when he saw her come in. He put down the book and asked, "Did you talk to Xiao Wu?"
Shang Wu sighed, sat down on the edge of the bed, and expressed her daughter's concerns and her own worries. "Tomorrow is the deadline, and these two are still so awkward together. I'm really afraid..."
Lu Rang remained calm after listening.
He put his arm around Shang Wu's shoulder, letting her lean against him, and said in a steady voice, "Feelings can't be forced. We've done what we could; the rest is up to them."
He paused, then continued, "If in the end they still can't overcome that hurdle in their hearts and can't be together, and if Xiaowu, after careful consideration, is ultimately willing to accept the marriage arranged by the old man, then it can only mean that they are not destined to be together. As parents, we should respect her choice."
Shang Wu leaned against him, listening to his steady heartbeat, and her anxious mood calmed down a little.
Yes, no matter how anxious she is, she can't take her daughter's feelings or make the choices for her.
Perhaps, we can only let nature take its course.
The third day, evening.
Lu Zheng arrived on time and sat in the main seat of the living room with a serious expression. Luo Jun still quietly accompanied him, but this time, there was a hint of expectation in his eyes.
Shang Wu and Lu Rang sat beside her, their hearts heavy. A day had passed, and there was still no word from their daughter; their phone was switched off and they couldn't reach her.
This made them feel uneasy.
"Where is Xiaowu?" Lu Zheng asked in a deep voice, his tone carrying an unquestionable authority. "Three days have passed. What is her answer?"
“Dad, Xiaowu’s phone might be dead, or she might be busy…” Shang Wu tried to explain, but her unease grew stronger. This wasn’t like Xiaowu; even if she wanted to refuse, she wouldn’t do it by disappearing.
Just then, the landline in the living room rang shrilly.
Lu Rang, who was closest to the phone, stood up and answered: "Hello?"
After a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, a cold and eerie electronic voice came through: "Mr. Lu Rang?"
Lu Rang frowned: "I am. Who are you?"
"Listen, your daughter Lu Yuwu is in our hands," the electronic voice stated emotionlessly. "If you want her safe and sound, prepare 500 million in cash, old bills, not consecutive serial numbers. Tomorrow at noon, wait for our next instructions. If you call the police or try anything funny, you can expect to be collecting her corpse."
"Click." The phone was abruptly disconnected, leaving only a busy tone.
Lu Rang's hand gripping the microphone tightened abruptly, his knuckles turning white, and his face instantly turned ashen.
"What's wrong, A-Rang?" Shang Wu noticed her husband's unusual behavior and immediately stood up, her heart in her throat.
Lu Rang slowly put down the microphone, turned to the people in the living room, his voice trembling slightly as he tried to suppress his shock and anger: "Xiao Wu... has been kidnapped. The other party is demanding a ransom of 500 million."
"What?!" Shang Wu's vision went black and she almost fainted, but Lu Rang caught her in time.
Lu Zheng suddenly stood up from the sofa, his usually composed face showing a look of horror. Luo Jun was even more shocked, his face turning pale.
The living room instantly descended into chaos, filled with an atmosphere of panic and disbelief.
Shang Wu forced herself to stand firm and immediately took out her phone to dial her daughter's number again, but it was still switched off. Undeterred, she dialed Luo Luo's number.
"Auntie?" Luo Luo's voice came from outside.
"Luo Luo, is Xiao Wu with you?" Shang Wu asked anxiously.
"No, Auntie, Xiaowu said she wasn't feeling well this afternoon and went back to her dorm to rest early. I messaged her later but she didn't reply, so I thought she was asleep!"
The bad premonition came true. Shang Wu's hands and feet were ice-cold, and she could barely stand.
Just then, the doorbell rang urgently.
As soon as the maid opened the door, a figure rushed in like a whirlwind—it was Fu Yan. He was pale, breathing rapidly, and even had sweat on his forehead, clearly having run there in a frenzy.
Upon receiving news that Lu Yuwu might be in trouble, he rushed over immediately.
"Aunt Shang, Uncle Lu! Where's Xiaowu? Has something happened to her?" Fu Yan's voice was filled with undisguised panic as he anxiously scanned the living room, searching for that familiar figure.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com