Chapter Thirty-Nine
The first snowfall in Chanjing this year came a little late, and the temperature wasn't very cold.
The first rays of sunlight in the morning pierced through the thin mist and shone on the glass, making the snow-white snow seem to be plated with a layer of gold.
Eight o'clock.
Lu Runxu arrived at the company on time. As soon as he pushed open the office door, he saw Shang Yichen sitting leisurely at his desk.
Before he could speak, a sweet voice came from behind him, and Lu Runxu frowned subconsciously.
"Brother Lu".
Shang Ruixing ran towards him with a happy smile. Lu Runxu glanced at her indifferently, subtly avoiding Shang Ruixing's attempt to take his arm, and then looked at Shang Yichen, who was watching the scene unfold from the side.
Receiving a threatening look, Shang Yichen coughed lightly and quickly got up to pull Shang Ruixing to his side.
Shang Yichen glanced at her and whispered in her ear, "Don't forget what you promised me before you left."
Hearing her brother's somewhat threatening tone, Shang Ruixing glared at him resentfully.
That woman clearly doesn't like Brother Lu at all. She was even having an ambiguous relationship with the founder of Coisini not long ago. A woman like that doesn't deserve Brother Lu's affection at all.
Lu Runxu slowly withdrew his gaze expressionlessly, then turned and strode towards his desk. His long, straight legs carried an invisible pressure with each step.
Meanwhile, before Shang Yichen could react, Shang Ruixing, like a nimble deer, quickly stepped forward and gently took Lu Runxu's arm.
Just as Shang Ruixing looked up, she met Lu Runxu's chilling gaze.
That look in her eyes was like a cold wind in winter, making people shiver. Shang Ruixing was stunned for a moment, but she didn't let go of Lu Runxu's hand. Instead, she gave Lu Runxu a sweet smile.
Seeing this, Shang Yichen, who was standing to the side, helplessly reached out and touched his cheek, secretly lamenting: What a troublesome person he is.
Shang Yichen composed himself, then quickly stepped forward and, without saying a word, reached out and pulled Shang Ruixing back.
At the same time, he glared at Shang Ruixing fiercely, as if signaling her to quickly go to the side and stay there obediently.
Having finally managed to see Lu Runxu, how could Shang Ruixing possibly obediently listen to Shang Yichen?
She stubbornly pouted, completely ignoring Shang Yichen's warning, and continued to cling tightly to Lu Runxu's arm, refusing to let go.
She boldly spoke to Lu Runxu: "Brother Lu, that woman doesn't love you at all. I saw him walking with Coisini founder Mr. Chen a while ago. The two of them seemed to have a very different relationship."
Shang Ruixing wasn't just making things up. She was endorsing the Coisini brand in France a while ago, and when she finished, she happened to see Xing Bei and President Chen strolling around the streets of France. She even secretly followed them for a while.
Lu Runxu looked coldly at the person in front of him, his handsome eyebrows furrowing slightly. He forcefully pulled his arm away. Shang Ruixing thought he didn't believe her, so she took out her phone and handed it to him.
When Lu Runxu saw the photo on the screen, a faint smile appeared on his lips. But this expression looked completely different to Shang Yichen.
In fact, if you spend a lot of time with Lu Runxu, you will find that when he is really angry, his fox-like eyes are as cold as ice, his aura is very low, and his innate aura of a superior is overwhelming.
Now, although he wasn't exactly angry, it was clear that Lu Runxu was very unhappy. Shang Yichen was afraid that his outspoken sister would say something outrageous that would lead to them being thrown out.
Shang Ruixing looked at him seriously: "Brother Lu, you should divorce that woman. She is not good enough for you at all."
Shang Yichen: "..."
Sister, are you trying to kill your brother today?
Lu Runxu stopped what he was doing, his amorous fox-like eyes now filled with coldness, causing Shang Ruixing to subconsciously straighten her back, her pride instantly shattered.
"Shang Ruixing, it's none of your business to question my family affairs." Lu Runxu had always been lenient with this younger sister in the courtyard, and this was the first time he had spoken so harshly to Shang Ruixing.
Lu Runxu looked at her, his eyes devoid of any tenderness: "I'll be frank with you, I've always treated you like a younger sister, and you shouldn't have any other thoughts about me."
"And another thing." Lu Runxu paused, but an untimely smile appeared on his lips. "So what if she doesn't love me? It's enough that I love her."
Shang Ruixing hadn't expected him to be so ruthless. For so many years, she thought that no one except her brother knew about her feelings for Lu Runxu.
She thought she had kept it a secret, but now she realizes that her crush over the years was so obvious. Lu Runxu's decision not to expose her was a way of giving her some dignity, but she still can't accept it.
"But I was the one who met you first." Shang Ruixing's beautiful eyes were now blurred with tears as she asked unwillingly.
Lu Runxu: "Shang Ruixing, you need to understand that in love, there is never a first or last order."
If there's a sequence to liking someone, he must have met Xing Bei before Zhou Xuzhe, but it still took him so many years to finally reach Xing Bei's side.
But he always knew that when he first met Xing Bei, it was destined that he would never fall in love with anyone else.
Shang Ruixing's nose tingled, and she forced back her tears. She had always thought that Lu Runxu was just cold-hearted, even when he was with her brother.
She once thought that as long as she spent enough time by his side, he would eventually melt her heart.
Shang Yichen originally didn't want to get involved in this matter and wanted Shang Ruixing to give up, but he forgot that Lu Runxu was always ruthless.
He sighed helplessly, walked over and pulled Shang Ruixing back to his side, but to his surprise, Shang Ruixing shook off his hand and ran out crying.
The person sitting in the office turned his gaze away, looked out the window indifferently, and let out a cool voice from his thin lips: "Aren't you going to comfort your sister?"
After all, she was his younger sister whom he had raised with great care, and Shang Yichen couldn't bear to hurt her.
He sat down opposite him unhurriedly: "Ah Xu, at least speak more gently. Xingxing is a pampered little girl, how could she possibly stand your cold tone?"
Lu Runxu also sighed softly: "If I don't make things clear now, giving her hope will only make her more heartbroken. Moreover, I don't want her to disturb my family, nor do I want her actions to upset Mingzhu."
Shang Yichen fell silent instantly. He knew that Lu Runxu was right. Over the years, he had turned a blind eye to it. Now that Lu Runxu was married, Shang Ruixing should also be more mindful of her behavior.
Everything was due to his own karma, and he couldn't help Shang Ruixing.
As soon as Shang Yichen looked up, he met Lu Runxu's meaningful fox-like eyes, and he twitched his lips speechlessly.
He knew that Shang Ruixing would have to get revenge on him for the trouble she caused. Shang Yichen gave him a look and said, "Say it, what do you want this time?"
Lu Runxu stared at him, his slender fingers slightly bent, as exquisite as if carved from white jade, rhythmically tapping the gray tabletop, producing a crisp and short sound.
Each tap sent chills down Shang Yichen's spine, giving him a bad feeling. The next second, a voice with a hint of laughter rang in his ear.
“I remember you have a Chinese-style garden in the West City.”
Shang Yichen: "..."
They really have no manners. They want to take over a garden worth hundreds of millions right off the bat. Why don't they just ask him to give them the entire business?
Oh well, it's all my fault for spoiling him. What can I do? I'll just have to make up for it myself.
"No problem, I'll transfer the ownership to you once I'm done with these next few days." Shang Yichen got up, straightened his clothes, and slowly left the office.
He stopped halfway through the walk: "Don't take what my sister said to heart. You know she was pampered growing up and doesn't know how to speak properly."
Lu Runxu glanced at him indifferently: "I know her personality, but I don't want to hear this kind of thing again."
Shang Yichen smiled and waved his hand: "Understood."
In the afternoon, the sunlight lazily spilled onto the floor inside the house.
Xing Bei spent the whole afternoon drawing on the sofa in the living room. In her spare time, she watched some videos and was suddenly tempted by a vlog she saw.
But when she thought of Lu Runxu's fame, she immediately lost interest. She still wanted to live a simple life as a painter. With that in mind, Xing Bei picked up her brush and drew their scenes in F country in Q-version characters.
Lu Runxu, who had left work early, walked in and saw the person smiling brightly on the sofa. A slight smile appeared on his lips. Xing Bei was focused on coloring and didn't notice the person by the door at all.
After looking at it for an unknown amount of time, Lu Runxu slowly walked towards the sofa and placed the camellia and lotus flower pastries he had just bought after get off work on the table.
Xing Bei looked at the person in front of her: "Why are you leaving get off work so early today?"
Lu Runxu didn't answer, but snuggled into Xing Bei's arms. Because the house was heated, Xing Bei was only wearing a white spaghetti strap dress.
The cold air he brought back from outside was so intense that Xing Bei almost kicked him away when Lu Runxu's face was pressed against Xing Bei's chest.
As Lu Runxu's hand wrapped around her waist drew closer, even the slow-witted Xing Bei noticed that Lu Runxu's mood was a bit off today.
I was so happy before I went to work this morning, but something's wrong as soon as I got off work. Could it be that something unpleasant happened to me?
Alright, it's a special case, so I'll allow him to hold her a little longer today.
She put the tablet aside and gently patted his back. With her indulgence, he started to get restless in her arms, burying his head in her neck and gently rubbing against her. Soft strands of hair danced on her face, making her feel ticklish.
Xing Bei moved away slightly, her tone carrying a hint of warning: "If you keep moving around, I won't let you hug me anymore."
As soon as the threatening words were spoken, the person in her arms immediately became obedient. Just when Xing Bei thought her words had worked, the person in her arms looked up and stared at her affectionately.
Her fox-like eyes were slightly upturned, her dark pupils bright and clear. Xing Bei could clearly see his own reflection in her eyes, and at this moment it seemed that she was the only person in his world.
Xing Bei paused for a moment, then subtly looked away, silently complaining to herself.
What's the point of a grown man being so handsome if all he does is seduce her every day?
She lowered her eyes and stared at Lu Runxu's hand. The next second, her chin was suddenly lifted, and her warm lips were covered with a layer of coldness. Xing Bei was stunned on the spot.
The hand on Lu Runxu's back unconsciously curled up. Gradually, Xing Bei's brain began to lack oxygen, and her body began to heat up. Xing Bei shyly closed her eyes.
After the kiss, Xing Bei opened her eyes groggily. Her beautiful peach blossom eyes were now covered with a thin layer of water, making them shimmer and alluring.
The white tank top had just slipped down to her shoulders with the movement, revealing her snow-white skin. Lu Runxu lowered his eyes and chuckled softly, gently pulling the strap back onto her shoulders.
Xing Bei's face flushed, and she forcefully pushed away the person in her arms, glaring at him fiercely. However, her captivating eyes were not menacing at all; they seemed more like flirting.
Lu Runxu let out a soft laugh, and with a strong arm, he pulled her back into his embrace. Xing Bei was caught off guard and bumped into his chest, instinctively hooking her arms around Lu Runxu's neck.
Xing Bei leaned on his shoulder, meeting his aggrieved gaze. Xing Bei paused, opened her mouth but said nothing.
Lu Runxu's behavior today was very unusual, which made Xing Bei suspect that Lu Runxu might have done something bad behind her back.
It's said online that when a man starts acting strangely, there's no doubt that he's done something unforgivable.
Thinking of Shang Ruixing's recent situation, Xing Bei immediately became serious: "Lu Runxu, tell me honestly, have you done something to betray me?"
Lu Runxu stared at her without saying a word, his narrow eyes slightly narrowed, and Xing Bei realized something was wrong.
Could it be that she was right?
Xing Bei instantly got angry, pouting and accusing him: "Let me tell you, Lu Runxu, if I ever find out that you're having an affair, I'll definitely break your legs."
Lu Runxu looked at her without saying anything, and Xing Bei thought that Lu Runxu thought she was joking.
She poked his shoulder hard with her long, slender index finger: "Don't think I'm joking. I can be super fierce."
Xing Bei's voice is very pleasant, like a flower quietly blooming under the cool moonlight, exuding a cool and charming allure, but at the same time, it is also mixed with a little bit of subtle charm and sexiness.
Whether she was genuinely angry or feigning arrogance, her soft voice sounded like a cat with its fur standing on end, seemingly fierce yet revealing a sweet and adorable quality, giving off a cute and slightly sassy vibe.
Lu Runxu stared at her, as if amused by something, and suddenly burst out laughing without warning. All the frustration he had suffered at the company vanished in that instant.
A look of pleasure shone in the fox's eyes, and the corners of his mouth curved upwards into a wider smile. Lu Runxu reached out and pinched Xing Bei's cheek.
"Sister, please give me a proper status." With that, he quickly kissed Xing Bei on the lips.
Xing Bei was stunned. Of course she knew what this title meant. Lu Runxu held her waist tightly, his dark fox eyes bright and clear like gentle waves. Xing Bei met his eyes, and the words of refusal were stuck in her throat.
"Sister, can I?" Lu Runxu blinked, her thick eyelashes fluttering gently, her tone slightly coquettish.
Seeing that she disagreed, Lu Runxu gently shook her hand again.
Good heavens, that's so unfair!
Who could refuse a man who's so good at being charming?
Xing Bei coughed softly, trying to hide the slight smile that was about to spill from her lips.
She turned her head slightly away, not daring to meet the other person's gaze, afraid that they would see through her thoughts. Although she tried her best to remain calm, her heart betrayed her thoughts, beating wildly and uncontrollably.
But the person in her arms didn't notice, and the hand on her waist tightened: "Sister~"
Xing Bei looked away: "It depends on your performance."
Lu Runxu's eyes curved into a smile, and taking advantage of Xing Bei's inattention, he got up and planted a kiss on her cheek: "Axu will definitely make sister satisfied."
Xing Bei stared at him and couldn't help but laugh. Lu Runxu picked her up and placed her on his waist and abdomen, cupped her face and leaned in to kiss her.
*
That evening, after washing up, Xing Bei lay on the sofa scrolling through Weibo, Lu Runxu's words constantly echoing in her mind.
Actually, she didn't agree immediately because she had her own concerns. Her comics were just starting to gain popularity, and she wasn't considered very famous in the industry.
If Lu Runxu were to go public, given the netizens' investigative abilities, they would quickly discover that she doesn't want to be labeled as Mrs. Lu in her career as well.
Xing Bei snapped out of her daze when a message suddenly popped up on Weibo. She glanced at it and was about to swipe away when she saw Lu Runxu's name, so she swiped it up again.
It turns out that Shang Ruixing's studio released a work vlog, and coincidentally, the person in the video also had red hair, so everyone dug up the previous street photos from France.
—I knew Shang Ruixing was Mrs. Lu. Look at that red hair, they're exactly the same.
—The couple I ship is real: a soft and cute little bunny and a cold and aloof fox.
—Our Xingbao is good-looking, a good actress, and now she has such a great boyfriend. She has such a wonderful life. I hope I can be her in the next life too.
—Hey everyone, take another look. The person in the last photo has striking red hair and a very strong presence; she's definitely a mature and sophisticated woman.
—I also think it's unlikely. Maybe we should wait for their official announcement. Our Xingbao doesn't need to ride the coattails of others' popularity.
—Exactly, don't stir up trouble.
In fact, Xing Bei had some affection for Shang Ruixing. She loved watching dramas, and there weren't many actors of Shang Ruixing's age who were as hardworking as her.
She knew Shang Ruixing from her very first drama. At that time, Shang Ruixing was just pretty, but her acting skills were terrible.
In addition, Shang Ruixing loves learning and keeps taking on acting roles. Compared to before, she is now doing incredibly well. It seems the legendary "study-hard" strategy is indeed effective.
Looking at the comments section, Xing Bei scrolled through them out of boredom. Suddenly, someone posted a photo that instantly took the topic to the next level.
The picture shows Shang Ruixing leaving the Lu Group, and there's nothing else, but that doesn't stop netizens from speculating wildly.
Xing Bei looked at the photo and sneered.
She said Lu Runxu was acting strangely today, and sure enough, he had done something to wrong her.
He still wants a title? To hell with him.
A man who is not clean does not deserve a title.
When Shang Ruixing logged onto Weibo, she was completely dumbfounded. She had just been warned by Lu Runxu that morning, and now this had happened. Was she doomed?
She also felt that she had told Jiajie that this vlog could not be posted on Weibo, so what was going on now?
She quickly called Jia Jie, who seemed to have expected her to call, and the call was answered in just a few seconds.
"Sister Jia, didn't I tell you not to post on Weibo? Why did you do this?" Shang Ruixing asked anxiously.
“Rui Xing, you refuse to use your family connections or create a romantic pairing, yet so many people in the company are eyeing your resources.”
"Then I don't need to do this. Brother Lu is already married. What's the difference between my behavior and being a mistress?" Shang Ruixing had never been so emotional before. After saying this, she stopped listening to Jia Jie's explanation and hung up the phone.
From the moment she entered the entertainment industry, she never intended to rely on her family connections; she only wanted to achieve something in the place she loved through her own abilities.
She does like Lu Runxu, but there's no need to be bound together in this way. If it has to be this way, she'd rather not like Lu Runxu at all.
*
Lu Runxu, who was working in his study, was bombarded with phone calls from his mother. He glanced at them indifferently and then answered the phone.
Before he could speak, a sharp, angry voice came from the other end of the phone: "Lu Runxu, now that you're married, keep your distance from Sister Shang. You're trending on social media every day or two. Don't you uphold traditional male virtues?"
Lu Runxu stared at his phone, completely bewildered: "Mom, what are you talking about?"
"You don't know?" Mrs. Lu was speechless. "Why don't you go check Weibo? I'll have your aunt come over to find you tomorrow."
Before Lu Runxu could explain, his mother had already hung up the phone. Lu Runxu rubbed his temples helplessly.
The dim screen lit up instantly. Lu Runxu glanced at it and saw messages popping up continuously. He knew without guessing that Shang Yichen was pleading for his sister.
On a deep winter night, a gentle breeze blew, and the bright moonlight filtered through the curtains, scattering softly across the white floor. Only a dim, yellowish light remained in the room, its gentle glow falling on a tender face.
I don't know what happened in her dream, but her delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly, as if carrying endless sorrow and troubles. It made people feel sorry for her and wished they could reach out and gently smooth her furrowed brows.
After washing up, Lu Runxu stood by the bed and stared at the scene for a long time. Suddenly, he lowered his eyes and chuckled softly, as if he had thought of something.
He walked gently beside Xing Bei, took her slender hand that had fallen outside the blanket, and felt faint red marks on her fair fingertips. He stroked her knuckles, and the tenderness between his brows gradually softened.
Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at the gleaming star and moon rings on the wooden bedside table. He gently reached out with his long, slender, and bony fingertips, and the tiny diamonds on the moon sparkled, echoing the stars on his fingers at that moment.
For a long time, Xing Bei was like the moon in his heart, something he could only look up at silently from the mortal world. In the vast night, he was just an ordinary star.
Perhaps it was fate, or perhaps it was divine intervention, but after many twists and turns, he reappeared in her world, and the dim starlight became the brightest one beside the moon.
The moon in the sky becomes the moon on earth, and only he possesses it.
Outside the window, the moonlight was obscured by thick dark clouds. In the quiet night, a profile picture of a red-haired figure with a silhouette was quietly revealed, and a simple post quickly went viral.
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