Chapter 84 (Teasing Cats and Dogs)
To better immerse herself in the sea view, Qiao Wu didn't turn the room lights up too bright. At this moment, she felt as if she were enveloped by darkness and the sea breeze blowing in, and the impenetrable gaze of the person in front of her made her heart surge with the faint sound of the waves.
She stood quietly by the door, gazing at the person she had just been thinking about.
The other party did not chase after them as before, but instead waited patiently and attentively as a wolf that had been waiting for a long time cornered its prey.
An overly quiet environment can easily lead to rampant thoughts, so Qiao Wu managed to control himself in time.
"What?" She suddenly smiled, "Aren't you going to give me the flowers?"
The moment she spoke, the man's dark eyes filled with starlight, but he still didn't hand over the flowers.
Lu Jinzhi smiled and asked, "May I confirm this?"
"Um?"
"What identity do I need to establish now?"
Qiao Wu countered, "What kind of identity do you want?"
“An identity that allows one to exercise power legitimately.” Lu Jinzhi answered quickly, as if he had been preparing for a long time, his voice soft and drawn out, “An identity that allows one to hold hands, hug, kiss, and more.”
Being prepared is one thing, being told it is another.
Fortunately, the lighting was dim enough that Qiao Wu wasn't so embarrassed that he couldn't make eye contact with him.
She suppressed her heart pounding so hard it was alarming, raised her hand—which was trembling almost imperceptibly—and forced herself to speak firmly: "You're pregnant."
Lu Jinzhi chuckled softly.
He raised his hand, but instead of handing over the flowers.
Instead, he completely closed his hand in his palm.
He gently stroked the back of her hand with his fingertips and whispered, "Why is it still so cold?"
The sudden change in their relationship left Qiao Wu somewhat unaccustomed to it. He instinctively wanted to dodge away, but he managed to hold back.
Lu Jinzhi was incredibly shrewd. He would lay everything out on the table, so that once she agreed, she had no way to refuse his approach and touch.
She forced herself to look away, focusing on the bouquet of flowers he was holding in his other hand: "You won't even give me a bouquet of flowers?"
“They’re all yours.” Lu Jinzhi led her to the balcony.
Sofas have been set up here for sightseeing; some are single, while others are long rows.
Considering comfort, the single sofa wasn't small, so after Lu Jinzhi sat down, he gently pulled the other person to sit down next to him.
The once spacious gap suddenly became crowded, and even through the clothes, one could almost feel the other's body temperature.
Lu Jinzhi placed the bouquet of flowers on her lap.
"I didn't come to give you flowers," Lu Jinzhi said with a smile. "The flowers are a free gift."
"Then what is the genuine product?"
Lu Jinzhi raised their clasped hands: "It's me."
Qiao Wu realized what was happening and burst out laughing: "So you dressed up like this in the middle of the night?"
The laughter made Lu Jinzhi feel insecure, and he looked down at himself.
He took another shower before leaving the house; isn't that a basic requirement?
Who would confess their love in their pajamas?
He didn't want Qiao Wu to think back to this day and have his inappropriate pajamas as the first thing that came to mind.
“No one would confess their feelings at this time,” Qiao Wu asked. “Did Uncle Lu contact you?”
Lu Jinzhi did not deny it, and even wanted to send Lu Jiang a brocade banner.
He lowered his eyes and fiddled with her fingertips, smiling softly as he said, "Wow, so amazing."
They've thought of everything, and they want to solve everything themselves first.
He glanced at the man's face in the night and couldn't stop laughing.
Qiao Wu felt a chill run down his spine from his gaze, and gently pinched the man's teasing fingers in his palm.
Lu Jinzhi paused for a moment, then suddenly lowered his head and gently rested it against the crook of her neck.
"I love it."
Unlike when they were close together on the boat, the two were much closer now, as if they could fit together perfectly if they faced each other.
With the waves bobbing up and down at sea, and worried about his safety, Qiao Wu couldn't think too much.
So much so that now his breath sprays onto his neck, and with the frequency of his breathing, his body feels numb and hot in waves.
In an instant, a soft touch adhered to the skin.
It was warm, but not light.
Upon realizing what it was, Qiao Wu instantly tightened his grip.
Lu Jinzhi's eyelashes fluttered slightly, and he curled his fingertips and moved them in her palm, as if he were doing something naughty to her.
He smiled and repeatedly pecked at the skin that had been kissed.
In his view, love and lust are inseparable; when he becomes aware of his own feelings, he also accepts his lust for this person.
He wanted to touch this person all the time.
Qiao Wu was so aroused by this subtle teasing that she couldn't take it anymore. She pulled her hand away and cupped Lu Jinzhi's face in her hands, saying, "What are you doing?"
Lu Jinzhi's eyes darkened slightly, and his voice was much lower than usual, like a lingering whisper of a lover.
"stamp."
He looked into Qiao Wu's eyes, with a hint of scrutiny in his gaze: "Waaah."
"Um."
"How does it feel now, whimpering?" He raised his hand to cover the corner of her eye and asked softly, "What kind of look are you giving me?"
He had seen the same light in his own eyes and in Guo Liyan's eyes.
That's liking.
But everyone's preferences are different. He is not Guo Liyan; he is determined to win over someone.
So Wuwu's gaze towards him was different, more intense and focused than usual.
Qiao Wu was cornered by this person and had no way to escape.
Finally, she lowered her head as if admitting defeat, and leaned on his shoulder like Lu Jinzhi had done, in order to hide her naive reaction.
“Lu Jinzhi,” she said, “that’s liking.”
Qiao Wu had never relied on others like this before; she always believed that she could do anything on her own.
But at this moment, when she expresses intimacy with another person in this way, she feels a strange sense of dependence from the bottom of her heart, which makes her happy and even a little fascinated.
This distance made her feel at ease, allowing her to experience the intimacy between them.
She didn't hear Lu Jinzhi speak, but she felt him move one hand to her waist and the other to the back of her neck, as if he were completely taking her into his possession.
His warm breath lingered on her forehead, just like the touch on her neck earlier—light yet lingering, a gentle, persistent kiss.
Lu Jinzhi applied a little force with his hand, as if to lift her head off his shoulder.
Qiao Wu felt a sudden dryness in her lips and nervously clutched his hem: "Lu Jinzhi."
He didn't stop, planting a kiss on her cheek and letting out a casual "Hmm?"
Qiao Wu: "Should we keep our business from them for now?"
His lips, which were resting against his cheek, suddenly stopped. Lu Jinzhi seemed not to understand: "What?"
Qiao Wu knew without looking up that Lu Jinzhi wasn't happy.
But it's really not appropriate for others to know about this right now, so she said in a low voice, "Wait until some time has passed, at a suitable time, when their reaction won't be so strong."
Lu Jinzhi's tone was somewhat indifferent: "When was that?"
Qiao Wu sighed inwardly.
After all, this matter is indeed somewhat unfair to Lu Jinzhi, and he is right; how to accept it is someone else's business.
However, nothing can be judged according to ideal expectations.
So we can only ask him to make do for now.
She raised her head and distanced herself from Lu Jinzhi.
His neck was still in Lu Jinzhi's grasp, but he wasn't using much force.
He lowered his eyes, his displeasure undisguised, yet not indifferent.
Because he wouldn't direct that emotion at Qiao Wu; if he were to hold a grudge, it would be against someone else.
Qiao Wu thought for a moment, then took the initiative to reach out and wrap her arms around his waist.
The man raised an eyebrow slightly and uttered a question that was difficult to decipher.
“You’re the older brother, can we be a little more patient with them?” Qiao Wu tilted his head slightly and coaxed him in a gentle tone, “Besides, our relationship is our own business. It’s not like we won’t be together just because they don’t know about it.”
Lu Jinzhi didn't say anything, but gently stroked behind her ear with his thumb.
The dissatisfaction in his eyes gradually dissipated; he liked hearing the word "we".
I like her candid initiative and her undisguised intimacy.
but……
"Waaah," he whispered, "you know, in my opinion, what you give and what you receive should be equal."
He felt the hands around his waist tighten for a moment, but he remained calm and quietly watched her.
Qiao Wu saw his waiting and understood the unspoken guidance in his words.
The clothes that Lu Jinzhi had carefully prepared were crumpled by her grip.
She stared at the lips so close to hers, lost in thought. She hadn't drunk any water all day, and her mouth was very dry.
Lu Jinzhi called out to her again, "Waaah."
Qiao Wu swallowed softly, even though she knew that Lu Jinzhi would agree to her even if she did nothing, she still raised her head.
She lightly touched his chin and quickly pulled away.
"That's enough," she said. "You still expect to get married here tonight?"
Lu Jinzhi chuckled: "It's not impossible."
Qiao Wu pressed the spot on his back where he had been bumped earlier that day, venting his anger.
After taking the medicine, Lu Jinzhi calmed down a bit.
He pulled her into his arms again, resisting the kiss he hadn't expected, and gently kissed the tips of her hair: "I'll listen to you."
-
On New Year's Eve, Qiao Wu got up very early.
Before she came into this world, her New Year's Eve consisted of being alone, with a bowl of dumplings and the monotonous sound of the Spring Festival Gala playing.
After coming into this world, she also experienced several lively New Year's Eves.
My family was full of boys who loved to play, so New Year's Eve was always lively when I was a child.
But now, neither she nor the Lu family has been able to sit down and enjoy a New Year's Eve dinner together for many years.
There's no need to prepare anything extra for spending the New Year at the hotel, nor is there any need to prepare a New Year's Eve dinner. She got up early to pick up Lu Xuan from the airport and take Lu Ning to buy some fireworks.
Ever since the hotel staff told her that there would be a fireworks show on the beach on New Year's Eve, Lu Ning took out all the money she had "earned" and begged Qiao Wu to take her to buy fireworks to play with.
As for why they didn't approach Lu Yingchi...
It's purely because this person is currently the poorest in the whole family, and he's very resentful of the rich.
Lu Ning was worried that her allowance would be taken away.
There's been a cold front these past few days, so Qiao Wu wore a thin cardigan outside. Just as she stepped out of her room, she heard the door next door close.
Without even turning her head, she said, "Awake so early?"
Her response was a hug that came from behind.
Few people come to this private floor reserved for the two of them, so Lu Jinzhi never hesitates to use his power whenever they meet here.
Her face was turned to him, and Lu Jinzhi naturally kissed her forehead: "I'll go with you."
Qiao Wu was already used to it.
I thought life would be different from before, but apart from Lu Jinzhi being more blatantly clingy, it seems like nothing has changed.
Stepping out of his arms, knowing that they should keep some distance in public, Qiao Wu took his hand as they walked to the elevator: "Are you picking him up too?"
Lu Jinzhi replied with her own words from before: "Together."
The two walked into the elevator together, and Qiao Wu casually said, "We're going to buy a few red envelopes later, do you want yours included?"
"Red envelope?"
Qiao Wu turned around: "Aren't you going to give Lu Ning a New Year's gift?"
Lu Jinzhi raised an eyebrow: "I've sent her quite a lot before."
He had no concept of holidays. Although Lu Yingchi's credit card was suspended, his living expenses were not actually reduced.
In fact, if Lu Yingchi were to use his brain even a little, he would realize that he could get money from other sources besides the card.
It's just that there might be something wrong with the Lu family's thinking; it's unclear why Lu Yingchi insists on maintaining the persona of being broke.
If Lu Jinzhi really wanted to make him penniless, he could definitely make sure he couldn't even leave the hotel, and still let him go out and have fun, go out to eat and play games all day long.
Therefore, in Lu Jinzhi's view, New Year's money is something unnecessary.
“That’s different, it’s about the sense of ritual,” Qiao Wu corrected him. “If that’s the case, then why do you always try to find ways to confess your feelings?”
When the two are compared side by side, Lu Jinzhi really has no way to argue.
But for him, there was really no difference.
He hummed in agreement.
When they went downstairs, Lu Ning and Lu Yingchi sat facing each other at the table.
Lu Ning was holding a piece of paper and arguing with Lu Yingchi.
"Chinese 63, Math 68, English 73, Second Language..." Lu Ning read aloud while holding a calculator, "You said one point is worth 10,000, so the total is 5,130,000."
Lu Yingchi's face grew darker and darker as he listened.
He was busy with the competition and neglected Lu Ning's after-school tutoring. In order to get Lu Ning to do well on the exam, he promised her that he would give her 10,000 yuan for every point she got.
"Did you hire another tutor?" he asked suspiciously.
Even if you gave Lu Ning a hundred times the courage, she wouldn't dare to cheat.
But considering the pace of his tutoring of Lu Ning at the time and Lu Ning's talent, she shouldn't have even passed Chinese language alone.
“Zhong Shixia,” Lu Ning said, “I’ve been learning from him ever since.”
It has to be said that the top student in the grade is the top student in the grade. Whether it's tutoring or the key students in the circle, they are not in the same league as Lu Yingchi.
Lu Ning was suddenly raised to another level.
“I plan to give him half of the money.” Lu Ning skillfully opened the QR code for receiving payments. “Are you using Alipay or WeChat? Installment payments are supported, and credit card payments are also available.”
"..."
Originally, Lu Yingchi could have given it to him, but due to the previous dispute over Wuwu's biological father, he was once again arranged by Lu Jinzhi.
So now, let alone 5.13 million, even 130,000 would leave Lu Yingchi with nothing.
"No rush." Lu Yingchi chose to enjoy the present moment first. "Pay me back my tuition fees first. I don't want half. I'll use today's fireworks as payment."
I'll think of a way later to get the money back from Lu Jinzhi.
If all else fails, just sell a car.
Some of his cars are also limited editions, suitable for Lu Jinzhi.
If Lu Jinzhi doesn't pay during the Lunar New Year, he'll complain to Qiao Wu.
"I also want compensation for emotional distress," Lu Yingchi said shamelessly. "You've made such great progress now because I laid a good foundation for you beforehand. All those walnuts weren't cracked for nothing. Do you know how much damage your handwriting has done to my mental well-being?"
Lu Ning paused for a moment, then started to think about it seriously.
Then he buried his head and continued pressing the calculator.
Lu Jinzhi stared at the absurd scene for a few seconds, then suddenly asked Qiao Wu thoughtfully, "If I were to kiss you now, would they think I was giving you CPR?"
Qiao Wu laughed.
Stop cursing.
The instant Lu Jinzhi leaned in, Lu Yingchi and Lu Ning seemed to have radar installed, and their eyes turned to him simultaneously.
Lu Yingchi frowned: "Are you two setting the same alarm clock?"
Why do we come down together every day?
He noticed that Lu Jinzhi and Qiao Wu seemed to be seen together far more often than anyone else lately.
Even though Lu Jinzhi is the busiest person in the family right now, even when he's on vacation, there are still a lot of things at the company that require him to spend a fixed amount of time working on them every day.
But no matter when, only Lu Yingchi saw that the two of them were almost always together.
Lu Jinzhi: "They are brains at the same level."
"..." Thinking that he would have to make a deal with Lu Jinzhi later, Lu Yingchi swallowed his anger.
Just as he was about to come up with an excuse, his phone rang; it was a group video call.
The group consists of classmates who do career planning together, and we've gotten to know each other very well.
During the Spring Festival, college students are at their most idle at home, and they often make group video calls or group calls to play games and chat together.
Lu Yingchi took his phone and walked out.
He was the last person to join the group video call. It was rare for everyone to be present on New Year's Eve, and the chat was incredibly noisy.
"Brother!" Ye Liang exclaimed from the other end of the line, "I heard your hotel is having fireworks today, take us with you!"
Everyone knows that Lu Yingchi went on vacation to the beach, at his own hotel.
The fireworks show was specially arranged by the hotel for its owners; other tourists were just there to enjoy it.
Lu Yingchi hummed in agreement: "Don't worry, you'll all get your share."
Besides the hotel's fireworks show, he also planned to set off some himself; he was willing to risk his pride to ask Lu Ning for some.
Forget about the quantity, you could probably get even a single firecracker.
“Lu Yingchi,” Chen Caiwen said from the small frame, “our family is also here for vacation, but we didn’t stay at your hotel. Could I pay a little extra to go on your beach to watch the fireworks?”
Rooms at Lu's resort hotels are very expensive during holidays, not to mention rooms with good views.
Chen Caiwen and her family could only choose to stay in ordinary hotels for their vacation, but she really wanted to see fireworks. The hotel set off fireworks for Lu Yingchi's family, of course, only in front of the beach directly in front of them.
Lu Yingchi didn't take it seriously: "Why don't you just come in?"
Chen Caiwen blushed slightly: "Let's pay, I'm not the only one."
"That expression of yours," another classmate noticed, "You didn't go with your boyfriend, did you?"
Lu Yingchi didn't pay much attention to his classmates' romantic gossip; he'd never really cared about such things. But if Chen Caiwen was bringing people in, he definitely needed to ask her more questions, since they were his friends. He wanted to make sure the hotel staff could confirm their safety when he told them.
He casually asked, "How many people?"
Chen Caiwen blushed even more: "Two."
She did go on vacation with her family, but her grandparents go to bed early, and the fireworks show is at midnight, so the elders didn't come.
This is also a good time for her to go on dates with her new boyfriend.
“Okay,” Lu Yingchi said. “Send me your names and ID numbers later, and I’ll have someone bring you in.”
Chen Caiwen thanked him repeatedly and insisted on giving him a red envelope.
Lu Yingchi then collected two hundred yuan per person.
He was even a little moved to tears when he saw the red envelope.
Two hundred and 5.13 million.
This was the first time he had realized there was such a huge difference.
Soon Chen Caiwen was called away by her family.
Lu Yingchi planned to go with Qiao Wu and the others to pick up Lu Xuan and buy fireworks.
In his view, he couldn't be left out of any group of people together, otherwise he wouldn't know what others would think of him.
Therefore, we must not fall behind.
Just as he was about to hang up the video call, one of his classmates couldn't help but sigh, "How come Chen Caiwen has a boyfriend? Wasn't she dating Lu Yingchi..."
Fei Jingming and Ye Liang immediately coughed hurriedly, interrupting the man: "Cough cough cough!"
Upon hearing his name, Lu Yingchi raised his eyes in a daze.
"To me what?"
"It's nothing, it's nothing," Fei Jingming said. "Please wish my sister a Happy New Year for us later, and we'll call her later to tell her in person."
Lu Yingchi raised an eyebrow: "Understood."
He hung up the phone quickly, but he couldn't forget what his classmates had said.
Chen Caiwen's feelings for him?
Although he didn't care much about these things, he did have very few girls around him, and he was a young man full of vigor, so how could he not understand these words?
He suddenly remembered that back in school, Chen Caiwen had indeed been somewhat close to him for a period of time.
When several classmates went to his house together, she also talked about some rather private topics.
So that's how it happened.
Lu Yingchi felt a little guilty because he hadn't noticed anything amiss.
But I also breathed a sigh of relief. Luckily, she already has a boyfriend, otherwise it would have been even more of a mess.
Chen Caiwen's message came quickly.
Lu Yingchi called the hotel manager, but not to ask the hotel to bring people in; instead, he asked if there were any suitable rooms available.
As a friend, he probably knew why Chen Caiwen hadn't told him why she was vacationing here.
In the past, Lu Yingchi might have been more considerate, but things are different now.
Qiao Wu once said that some things should be used, and one should not ignore the rights that one should have because of some inexplicable burdens.
He has always been very generous to his friends. In the past, people like Hu Zhuo could use his car, live in his house, and drink millions of dollars worth of wine in one night. Now that he has met true friends, he certainly won't mistreat them.
After receiving a reply from the hotel, he asked the hotel to prepare two sets of accommodations and sent them to Chen Caiwen separately, so that her family and her boyfriend could check in separately.
On Chen Caiwen's end, exclamation marks almost filled the entire screen as the phone rang rapidly.
Lu Yingchi didn't answer the call, but typed: "It's nothing. It's just sitting empty anyway. If Fei Jingming and the others came, I would let them stay too. There's no pressure. To me, it's just a small matter and not worth much money."
Chen Caiwen was silent for a long time before typing a few words: "Don't you need to take the subway anymore when you go out now?"
Lu Yingchi: "..."
Grass.
In fact, most people would think that what Lu Yingchi said was Versailles, but his close friends didn't think so.
He's a very stubborn person; the money he spent on the hotel was really no different from two hundred dollars to him.
Everyone's social class is different, so they value different things and have different perspectives on material possessions.
In the end, Chen Caiwen transferred all the New Year's money she received this year to Lu Yingchi and thanked him.
Lu Yingchi accepted the money without hesitation, thinking that at least he could buy a few more boxes of fireworks to set off tonight, so he wouldn't tease Lu Ning about her allowance.
He put away his phone and turned to go back, but his gaze fell on Lu Jinzhi and Qiao Wu having breakfast at the table through the floor-to-ceiling window. The two sat side by side, exchanging a few words occasionally, just like always.
But for some reason, Lu Jinzhi smiled, casually raised his hand and touched Qiao Wu's cheek, then quickly put it down.
Lu Yingchi stood there for a while, the scene just didn't look right no matter how he looked at it.
Shouldn't Qiao Wu have opened Lu Jinzhi's monkey-like hand as he did when he hit him?
-
After Lu Xuan landed, he walked with light steps and was in a very good mood, sending several red envelopes to Meng Xingxing and the others in the work group.
He was already prepared to go back on his own, but he didn't expect Qiao Wu to say that he would come to pick him up!
Pick him up!
He hadn't received this kind of treatment in almost half a year!
Qiao Wu must have noticed his progress!
After receiving the red envelope, Meng Xingxing called: "Brother, have you arrived?"
"I've arrived." Lu Xuan said in a light tone. "I'm here. Qiao Wu will come to pick me up in a little while. I'd like to wish you all a Happy New Year first. If you don't have anything to do today or tomorrow, please don't bother me."
A long-awaited holiday.
"Okay, I won't bother you." Meng Xingxing didn't want to talk about work since she was on vacation. "By the way, bro, are you using the VIP channel again today?"
"otherwise?"
“That’s right,” Meng Xingxing said. “My assistant just said that some of your fans know your schedule and plan to pick you up at the airport. They might wait for you outside.”
Lu Xuan's tone was a little strange: "Fans? Picking up at the airport?"
When did he get fans?
There are indeed some people on Weibo who are paying attention, including haters and some who have accumulated followers from previous shows.
However, since his film has not yet been released, he cannot be considered an artist with any works, so his schedule is relatively free at the moment.
"Yes, actually the fans figured it out themselves."
To be fair, Lu Jinzhi has been in the public eye ever since he joined the Lu family when he was a child, and his popularity has skyrocketed since he returned to China.
However, there are currently more people paying attention to Lu Jinzhi than to Lu Xuan.
It wasn't a secret that Lu Jinzhi was vacationing at the beach, since his whole family was there. Even someone like Lu Jiang, who was trying to find out about his retirement plans, could have discovered it.
Then, Lu Xuan's fans, combining the timeline of Lu Xuan's crew's holidays, found the assistant's Weibo post and decided to wait there.
The assistant then told Meng Xingxing what had happened.
“I didn’t keep them waiting in vain,” Meng Xingxing said. “I told them your flight details and asked if they wanted to come see you. They’ll be going back after this flight.”
Lu Xuan clicked his tongue lightly.
But she eventually stopped, hung up the phone, took a mirror out of her bag, and looked at herself.
Perfect.
In his mind, the scene of people coming to pick him up at the airport should be that they hold his handsome photos in their hands, fans surround the airport and shout his name wildly and fascinatedly, captivated by his charm in every smile and gesture.
Although he hadn't experienced it himself, he was still a worldly person.
They shouldn't be intimidated by such a scene.
After thinking about it, he also instructed the airport staff to send more bodyguards to avoid causing congestion.
Having prepared everything, he sent a message to Qiao Wu saying that he would be using the regular entrance today, then put on his sunglasses and set off.
If Qiao Wu comes, he will definitely see his radiant image.
Qiao Wu was also a little surprised when he received the message. He didn't expect Lu Xuan to know how to manage fan relationships.
“Let’s go to the parking lot,” she said to Lu Jinzhi, who was driving. “He’ll use the regular lane to meet his fans.”
"Fans?" Lu Ning peeked out from behind, immediately raising her camera eagerly. "Are you asking for autographs? Lu Xuan's really something! How much does one of his autographed photos cost now?"
Lu Yingchi took out his phone, opened Lu Xuan's fan super topic, and handed it to Lu Ning to show: "If you sell his autographed photos, you won't even be able to recoup your costs."
Lu Ning thought about it and realized that made sense.
He sat back down, feeling dejected.
Qiao Wu wasn't sure what the situation was, so he called Meng Xingxing to confirm.
After being delayed outside for about ten minutes, the group finally arrived at the arrival gate.
Lu Ning stood on tiptoe: "With so many people, we still can't see him."
"Why are you looking at him? He's not..."
Lu Jinzhi, standing beside him, glanced at him indifferently: "Cartwheel."
Just now in the car, Lu Yingchi traded his beloved car for 5.2 million yuan with Lu Jinzhi.
Even a single wheel can result in significant losses.
He snorted coldly.
Upon hearing this, Qiao Wu laughed and asked, "Why don't you order more?"
The Lu family's cars are all kept in the garage. Although it's said that each car belongs to someone, there isn't actually a clear distinction between them.
They just felt they weren't familiar with each other, so they wouldn't try to take advantage of each other, believing that what was theirs was theirs.
In fact, the car keys are kept in the garage, and the driver shares them as well.
Even if Lu Jinzhi really took the car, he would just leave it there and wouldn't bother to transfer ownership. Whoever got the car keys could drive it.
Only Lu Yingchi was still foolish enough to think that Lu Jinzhi's five million yuan was for him to buy a car.
But just like those family rules, only idiots will abide by the idiot rules.
"Your car is worth more than 5.2 million, isn't it?" she said with a smile. "What are you left after giving Lu Ning five million?"
Lu Yingchi said solemnly, "You don't understand, being rich is the original sin."
As long as he has no money, he is not an evil rich man.
He gave Lu Jinzhi a meaningful look: "Someone like Lu Jinzhi is beyond redemption."
Qiao Wu humbly asked, "How so?"
“A domineering CEO,” Lu Yingchi said. “He has both of those traits. Didn’t your guide to avoiding such characters completely exclude him?”
Lu Xuan was right back then; the guide was indeed very targeted.
Qiao Wu: "...?"
Lu Jinzhi was originally too lazy to pay attention to him, but after hearing these words, he still couldn't help but turn his head, his eyes filled with a bit of disbelief.
Lu Yingchi: "What are you doing?"
Why are you looking at me like that, like I'm an idiot?
"Did you go to burn incense before the college entrance exam?" Lu Jinzhi asked.
"No, I don't do those superstitious things." Lu Yingchi looked puzzled. "Why?"
Lu Jinzhi glanced at his leg and smiled: "I thought you made some kind of deal with the Bodhisattva, like exchanging a leg for a degree."
It's hard to imagine that someone with this kind of brain could get into university.
Lu Ning couldn't help but cover her mouth and exclaimed, "Pfft!"
Even Qiao Wu couldn't help but chuckle, his eyes lowered as he laughed incessantly.
She never imagined that the guide could be misinterpreted to this extent.
Lu Yingchi realized what was happening and instantly exploded: "Damn it! Lu Jinzhi, aren't you afraid of being driven away by firecrackers during the New Year?!"
Lu Jinzhi replied indifferently, "Whatever."
"Hey, stop arguing, stop arguing." Lu Ning squeezed between the two of them. "Let me see why Lu Xuan hasn't arrived yet."
Lu Jinzhi looked away: "Let him carry you on his back."
Lu Ning immediately turned her head to look at Lu Yingchi.
The latter angrily retorted, "Why me!"
Lu Jinzhi raised an eyebrow: "Your two negatives make a positive, so when you add them together, it's perfect."
"..."
Seeing that Lu Yingchi was about to lose his temper again, Qiao Wu pulled Lu Jinzhi a little closer to him, knowing that he was just being mischievous again.
I love seeing people get emotionally charged after he criticizes them with just a few words.
She chuckled: "Do I really have to provoke them?"
"When I have nothing to do, I play with cats and dogs."
"This is a derogatory term."
"Hmm." Lu Jinzhi turned and asked with a smile, "Waaah, did you think I was some kind of good person?"
He is not a saint.
The prerequisite for providing a stable life for the Lu family is that he must know that these people are qualified to do so.
So he wanted to see them break down but was powerless to do anything about it.
Only then could he realize that he was special to the Lu family, that he had privileges with them, and only then could he continue to bring them this sense of security.
Hearing this, Qiao Wu smiled helplessly and gently pinched the back of Lu Yingchi's hand where Lu Ning and Lu Yingchi couldn't see.
On the other side, Lu Yingchi was scolded, but he couldn't refute the fact that Lu Ning was still a short person.
"Where does all that food you eat go?" Lu Yingchi frowned, seeing that she couldn't even reach his shoulder when she jumped up, but still squatted down while cursing, "Come on up."
Lu Ning was stunned: "Really?"
"It's fake," Lu Yingchi said impatiently. "Hurry up."
Afraid he might change his mind, Lu Ning immediately jumped onto his back. The moment Lu Yingchi stood up, her vision instantly broadened: "Wow, is this what it feels like to stand on the shoulders of giants and see the world? Lu Yingchi, you're amazing!"
After a long period of chaos, Lu Xuan finally came out.
Then Lu Ning and Lu Yingchi both fell silent.
“Actually…” Lu Ning hesitated for a moment, “I don’t have to stand on the shoulders of giants to get by.”
Because Lu Xuan is really easy to recognize.
In the crowd, he was the only one who walked out surrounded by eight security guards. The scene was even bigger than that of a superstar, and he was incredibly arrogant.
Lu Yingchi said in disbelief, "Is he an idiot? There are more security guards than fans."
How embarrassing! I'd better just wait outside.
"Take a picture of it." Lu Jinzhi, who had been uninterested until now, suddenly became somewhat interested. "It's better than the Spring Festival Gala."
Upon receiving the instruction, Lu Ning quickly raised her camera.
My second uncle's words are like imperial edicts! They're worthless to sell to others, but they're worth a fortune to sell to my second uncle!
Lu Xuan, with his hands in his pockets, walked out surrounded by security guards. He glanced around but didn't hear the expected screams.
He looked left and right but couldn't see anyone holding up a sign with their name or photo.
Isn't this where they pick people up from the airport?
He's already come out of it!
Just then, he heard a very clear "Lu Xuan".
Lu Xuan made up her mind and turned around coolly.
Then I saw three people standing curiously and bewildered outside the security guards, holding small banners with his name printed on them, no wider than their palms.
one two three.
Lu Xuanqing counted three times clearly, and there were indeed three.
His expression behind his sunglasses cracked, and he froze on the spot for several seconds without moving.
"It really is you." The three fans were a little excited, but seeing so many security guards, they didn't dare to go forward.
Is this how rich people get off the plane?
That's awesome!
They said cautiously, "We are your fans."
Lu Xuan used all her acting skills to keep her expression steady, and calmly replied, "Hello, I am Lu Xuan."
Then he said to the security guards, "You can rest now."
The security guard glanced at him with a complicated expression, wondering what had gotten into this young master.
Three fans were accompanied by eight security guards.
But they have money; they just take the money and leave.
The fans only approached after the security guards left.
They also prepared small gifts and handed them to Lu Xuan: "These are for you. We heard you'll be joining another production after the New Year. There are a lot of insects in the mountains, so you can spray these on yourself to repel them. We also have some stomach medicine and health tea bags. You can see a doctor; they're absolutely clean. Take good care of your health while filming."
Lu Xuan, who was on the verge of collapse with his toes digging into the ground, was still in a daze when he saw these things.
Apart from Qiao Wu, no one else had ever put these little things in his bag.
In the past, he wouldn't have given it a second glance.
But now, the strangers in front of him are his fans, people who like him. The joy and concern in their eyes are genuine. Compared to the sycophantic expressions in the world of fame and fortune in the past, they make people feel more at ease.
He found it hard to imagine that he would have such a strange connection with a stranger.
Seeing that he didn't react, the three fans felt a little awkward.
It was their first time picking up Lu Xuan at the airport, and they weren't quite sure what he was like in real life. Could it be that he didn't like these things because they were too cheap?
"Lu Xuan?"
“I work out every day.” Lu Xuan finally responded, his tone tense. “I’m in great health.”
Several fans were stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing.
Lu Xuan was puzzled.
What are you laughing at? He's in really good health and knows how to take care of himself.
But he couldn't very well refuse something given to him: "Thank you, I'll use it."
Fans added, "There are red envelopes in here. You don't lack money, and we were worried that people would bring it up later, so we didn't put any money in it. It's all lucky charms. Today is Lunar New Year's Eve, and we hope your career goes smoothly and you are safe and sound."
Lu Xuan's fingertips trembled slightly as she looked up at them.
In the past six months, he has been able to feel a lot of kindness from those around him.
The only time it was this direct and explicit was purely for his own good.
Qiao Wu said that no one is her, but everyone can be her.
He seemed to have a vague idea of what this feeling was like.
He was used to showing his temper and presenting himself in front of others, but at this moment he couldn't find any side of himself to face the people in front of him.
I even felt a little disgusted with my own clumsy way of speaking at that moment.
Before he could speak again, the fans tried asking, "Could you take off your sunglasses so we can see them?"
Lu Xuanteng took off his sunglasses.
Yes, his face certainly gives back to his fans.
Then he saw several fans with expressions of both regret and relief.
What happened?
Fans seemed to be comforting him: "If you've been wronged, you can say it on Weibo. We'll all see it. Don't always cry, it's bad for your eyes."
Lu Xuan: "???"
Who's crying?
Holy crap!
This program is trash; it ruined my reputation by releasing all sorts of things!
He emphasized, "I didn't cry, I just have this constitution."
"Yes, yes, yes, yes."
Fans teased him, "You're going home for the New Year, right? With Miss Qiao, okay?"
"Um."
"Miss Qiao also has a share of the red envelope, please pass it on to her for us." The fans also wanted to go home for the New Year and didn't want to delay Lu Xuan's return home, so they only picked him up at the airport for a quick meeting. "We'll head back now, be careful on the road."
Lu Xuan held the gifts, somewhat bewildered. Today was too short; he hadn't taken anything with him, yet he had received so many things.
He stiffened and said, "Wait a minute."
"What's the matter?"
Lu Xuan: "Let's hug."
His body is not worth 50,000 yuan now.
But these amulets and health packs are worth it.
What a strange value.
Fans lined up excitedly to hug him.
When it came to the last one, they couldn't hold back any longer: "Go, baby! Mommy will always support you!"
Lu Xuan: "Wait a minute?"
Before he could say anything, several fans ran away in a flash.
They ran away!
Depend on!
What the heck?! A baby?!
Who's spreading rumors about him?!
Lu Xuan stood there, gritting his teeth.
When fans came to greet him at the airport, he hired a bunch of security guards, but in the end only three people showed up, and they treated him like a son!
Outrageous!
On the last day of the year, he completely lost face!
He turned around angrily, carrying a pile of things, and then saw four faces that he least wanted to see at that moment, not far away.
Lu Ning waved to Lu Yingchi from his back: "Hello, superstar."
Neuropathy!
Qiao Wu didn't tell him that these guys were also coming to pick him up from the airport!
Sure enough, this whole family is anything but normal!
Lu Xuan remained silent for a few seconds, then decisively put on his sunglasses and walked past them, not even daring to look at Qiao Wu.
"Wait, superstar!" Lu Yingchi didn't let him go, carrying Lu Ning on his back and catching up in a few steps. "What a big commotion, we're too embarrassed to go forward, afraid of being kicked out."
Lu Xuan's face turned ashen: "Lu Yingchi, you want a one-on-one fight?"
Lu Yingchi shook his head: "No, no, no, I can't beat your security guards."
Lu Ning held the camera and laughed heartily: "As expected, Second Uncle was right, this is better than the Spring Festival Gala."
That damned Lu Jinzhi!
Lu Xuan turned around angrily, only to see Lu Jinzhi and Qiao Wu walking side by side, the two of them very close together.
His anger froze for a moment.
“Hey, Lu Xuan.” Lu Ning nudged him from the side.
Lu Xuan, unable to bear it any longer, turned his head and shouted, "What are you doing?!"
"Hey."
Lu Ning put down her camera and held it in front of her, then rummaged in her pocket and took out a banner.
A sheet of A4 paper, always kept in the car, had Lu Xuan's name written in Lu Ning's distinctive, crooked handwriting, showing that it was prepared very perfunctorily.
After Lu Ning finished taking out her money, she took out another bill from Lu Yingchi's hat and opened it for him.
This time it was Lu Yingchi's calligraphy, also written as Lu Xuan, but with a dog's head drawn on it.
Lu Xuan was a little dazed, and squinted as he asked, "What do you mean?"
"We're here to pick you up from the airport," Lu Ning said. "There are four of us."
Actually, Qiao Wu had just called Lu Xuan's agent in the car and heard that only three people were coming to pick them up, so Qiao Wu found some blank paper in the car and wrote something for them.
Fearing he might think there weren't enough people, Lu Ning pointed to the dog's head and said, "This was drawn by my second uncle."
Lu Xuan: "...Should I thank him?"
Lu Jinzhi, who had already walked behind him, said calmly, "You're welcome."
"Lu Jinzhi!"
Lu Jinzhi wasn't angry. He was in a good mood, after all, he had seen a Spring Festival Gala skit that didn't elevate anything.
He asked with a smile, "How much does a security guard cost?"
Lu Xuan was puzzled: "200 each."
Lu Jinzhi glanced at Lu Ning, who immediately understood.
"Our airport pickup service is only 150 yuan." She pulled out her payment QR code. "It's 600 yuan for four people. Will you be paying via WeChat or Alipay?"
Lu Xuan took a few deep breaths to maintain his composure at the airport.
Is there even a normal person in this family?!
So what's wrong with each of us living our own lives as before? Why did he have to fly back for two days just to celebrate this damn Lunar New Year's Eve?
"Alright." Seeing that this group of people were about to push Lu Xuan to the point of biting someone, Qiao Wu stepped forward and patted Lu Ning on the head. "Keep it safe."
She turned to look at Lu Xuan and smiled, "Teacher Lu, welcome home."
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