Yue Jiao was momentarily stunned, pursing her lips. “Nothing much!”
“Rui Rui is very innocent, and I’ve been her teacher from high school through university—five years now!” Xie Mingchen stared at Yue Jiao. “In her eyes, I’m a teacher, a friend, or an older brother. Not all feelings need to be labeled with romantic connotations!”
Xie Mingchen’s tone carried his usual gentleness, yet each word was spoken clearly and distinctly.
Yue Jiao pouted, tears seeming to glisten in her eyes.
Xie Mingchen had made it clear: Hua Rui’s attachment to him was that of a younger person toward an elder, nothing more.
Then, she looked up. “What about you? How do you feel about her?”
Xie Mingchen’s eyes dimmed. “Teacher Yue, I’m sorry, but this is my private matter. I don’t wish to share it with others.”
Since they had broached the topic, he might as well lay it all out.
Yue Jiao took a step forward. “Mingchen, I really like you. Can we give it a try?”
Xie Mingchen sighed. “I’m sorry.”
“Is it because you don’t like me? Or is it because there’s simply no room for anyone else in your heart?”
Yue Jiao had already thrown caution to the wind. Even if she were to face rejection, she wanted to understand why!
Xie Mingchen looked at her. “Thank you for your affection. There’s no need to press for answers—it will only hurt you.”
“I want to understand clearly!” Yue Jiao refused to give up.
Then, she heard the answer that shattered her hopes.
The man said, “Someone has already filled my heart completely. From now on, there’s no room for anyone else. Teacher Yue, I’m truly sorry. You’ll meet someone better.”
How foolish this man was!
Yue Jiao even felt like hitting him a couple of times, asking him what era he was living in, still carrying himself like a hopeless romantic.
Inadvertently glancing around, she noticed a copy of the Heart Sutra on his desk. What was this?
The man stood tall and graceful, dressed in light-colored clothing, positioned against the light. He seemed serene and detached, untouched by worldly desires.
She loved him deeply, yet he felt so distant and unapproachable.
Yue Jiao’s voice trembled. “Mingchen, I’ll take my leave now. Don’t forget, you still owe me a meal!”
The man’s voice was clear and gentle as he replied, “Alright.”
…
Hua Rui received Lu Jianshen’s call around eight o’clock in the evening.
The little princess had just finished bathing, her hair soft and fluffy, her deer-like eyes misty and dreamy.
The peach blossom petal at the center of her forehead, moistened by the water, looked exceptionally vibrant.
When the call came, the family’s private beautician was giving her a full-body skincare treatment.
The beautician was shared by Hua Rui and her mother, a woman in her forties known as Ding Miaoshou.
A seasoned professional in the industry, she currently served only ladies and young women from prestigious families and was notoriously difficult to book.
Aunt Zhou handed over the phone. “Miss, it’s a call from the second young master of the Lu family.”
Hua Rui glanced at Ding Miaoshou. “Aunt Ding?”
“Hmm?”
“I need to put the call on speaker. Could you keep the conversation between me and the second young master of the Lu family confidential?”
Ding Miaoshou gently massaged Hua Rui’s back. “Is the little girl feeling shy?”
Hua Rui pouted. “No, it’s not what you think!”
As she answered the call, a sexy, slightly husky voice came through. “Little Rui Rui!”
For no particular reason, Hua Rui felt a surge of happiness, her dimples instantly appearing. “Uncle, is it good news or bad news?”
Lu Jianshen was lying on a lounge chair by the seaside, enjoying the ocean breeze and sipping Sassicaia.
The project signing had gone smoothly, and he was relishing this rare moment of relaxation.
After attending the local elite forum and farewell banquet that evening, he would fly to France the next day.
At this moment, the corners of his lips lifted: “Two pieces of news!”
Hua Rui’s eyes sparkled.
Lu Jianshen disliked keeping people in suspense—efficiency was life to him. He got straight to the point:
“Uncle Hua has agreed to let you come to France—that’s the first piece of news!”
“Yay! You’re amazing, Uncle!”
The sweet, clear voice from the other end of the call fell softly into his heart. His eyes darkened for a moment:
“Ruirui, there’s another piece of news: when you come to France, you’ll live with me. I’ll protect you and take care of you!”
This…
She saw the gentle smile on Ding Miaoshou’s face.
Although they were publicly known as an engaged couple, their relationship was only slightly more familiar than that of strangers. Living together?
The man’s cool, pleasant voice came through:
“Too scared, little one?”
Hua Rui’s face flushed bright red!
“…” !!!
In her memory, Uncle Lu was a legendary man, cold as ice and commanding an imposing presence. Such teasing words actually came from his mouth!
Lu Jianshen naturally sensed Hua Rui’s hesitation. A sharp glint flashed in his hawk-like eyes:
“Ruirui, you’re an adult now. Make your own decision! If you’re unwilling, just refuse me. I’ll explain it clearly to Uncle Hua!”
This was the mature man who had suddenly reverted to his business-like demeanor.
The little one was too delicate. He hoped his Princess Hua Rui would learn to be brave and decisive.
He would undoubtedly spoil her in every way, but he would never indulge her.
She had exceptional talent, and he had the discerning eye to help her soar!
“Uncle, I agree! But I have conditions…”
Lu Jianshen heard the confidence and determination already shining through that soft, delicate voice. This was the little one he admired!
The corners of his lips lifted slightly. The little one was going to negotiate terms with him!
“All ears!” Lu Jianshen couldn’t help the upward curve of his lips.
“Ten rules of agreement—I’ll draft them, you’ll review them. If there are no objections, we’ll sign the agreement, and then I’ll come over. Is that okay, Uncle?”
Hua Rui spoke logically and clearly, her fair, delicate face showing a sharpness different from her usual pampered self.
“Agreed! I’ll await your ten rules!”
Suddenly, Lu Jianshen heard a few soft, delicate moans from the receiver, and his heart skipped several beats.
“Ruirui, what are you doing?”
Hua Rui giggled from the other end: “Guess! Everyone says Uncle can predict everything!”
A tingling sensation crept through Lu Jianshen’s entire being, making his face feel faintly warm.
He raised his wine glass and downed the drink in one gulp: “A massage?”
“Something like that—I’m doing body care! Auntie Ding just touched my ticklish spot, mmm… ah, still a bit ticklish…”
Lu Jianshen abruptly stood up from the lounge chair!
Certain parts of his body suddenly reacted unusually.
Always a gentleman, he felt this was highly improper, even if it was toward his fiancée!
“Ruirui, I’ll give you a week to collect and organize materials on sugar figurine art. Also, consult more with Grandpa Tang and Teacher Xie Mingchen! Uncle has something to attend to. I’ll call you again later!”
“Okay, goodbye, Uncle!”
The polite little princess obediently bid Lu Jianshen farewell!
On the other end, Lu Jianshen had already strolled to the seaside.
The refreshing sea breeze blew over him, easing much of the heat throughout his body.
He wore comfortable, thin vacation attire, with the top third of his buttons undone.
A gentle breeze blew, parting the thin gauze opening, revealing glimpses of a sexy collarbone. The wheat-colored skin reflected light with a hormonal allure.
An Italian blonde in a bikini, tall with long legs and a fiery figure, approached while flipping her hair.
She said in Italian, “Sir, you are very sexy!”
Lu Jianshen smiled faintly and replied, “You are also a sexy and beautiful woman!”
The beauty’s blue eyes were enchanting. “I’m staying at a resort hotel nearby. Would you like to go for a drink together?”
…