Early the next morning, Lu Qiao woke up bright and early, mainly because he was used to exercising as soon as he woke up each day. Suddenly transitioning into a normal person’s lifestyle hadn’t quite sunk in yet.
According to Lu Qiao’s original plan, he wanted to do a thousand push-ups on the spot and then run fifty kilometers with weights, but considering the limits of this body, he only did a little exercise for a while.
After returning from his morning workout and taking a shower, he went downstairs. It was already breakfast time, and several family members were seated at the dining table. His cheap brother, seeing him, said rudely:
“Why are you only coming down now? Were you like this at school too?”
What followed concerned Lu Qiao’s lifelong happiness, so he decided to face this battle with the most perfect mental outlook. Thus, he responded to Yu Jiadong with great patience and gentleness. Lu’s father, also considering the upcoming events, said nothing.
Yu Jiadong had no choice but to reluctantly shut his mouth.
Time quickly passed, and by noon, the Lu family arrived at the restaurant in a luxurious Bentley. They arrived about ten minutes early and waited briefly in the private room. Just as the appointed time approached, Mo Hanzhou finally arrived.
The handsome and composed man sat in a metal wheelchair. Perhaps because he was already accustomed to life with a wheelchair, his aura and demeanor remained unaffected, still commanding awe and respect.
Mo Hanzhou’s gaze swept across the people in the room. He caught the fleeting regret in Yu Muqing’s eyes before finally settling on the young, beautiful, and exceptionally well-behaved-looking boy beside Lu Guoan.
In preparation for this grand occasion, Lu Qiao had been meticulously groomed before coming from his attire and hairstyle to the pale pink lipstick said to charm both straight and gay men. The final result satisfied everyone.
Looking at his own pitifully delicate appearance in the mirror, Lu Qiao couldn’t help but feel a wave of self-pity!
Sure enough, a look of satisfaction flashed in Mo Hanzhou’s eyes. With a smile on his face and the demeanor of a noble young master from a prestigious family, he looked at Lu Guoan with reserved politeness.
“Uncle Lu, it’s too much trouble for you to come in person.”
The term “uncle” was merely a polite gesture; if they were truly close, he wouldn’t have added the prefix “worldly”. Lu Guo an, though not the best in family matters, was quite self-aware in other respects. He quickly nodded and bowed, saying:
“Mr. Mo, please don’t make fun of me. My child was ignorant and caused you embarrassment, but he has already realized his mistake. I brought him here today to apologize to you.”
After speaking, he turned and snapped, “Lu Qiao, apologize to Mr. Mo.”
“Mr. Mo, I’m sorry for making you angry before.”
The boy’s voice was clear, his gaze exceptionally pure, and his large, cat-like eyes slightly upturned, like a kitten that had made a mistake and was now allowing its owner to pet it. Mo Hanzhou smiled generously and said:
“It’s fine. Young Master Lu is still young. I understand not wanting to marry so early.”
Seeing that Mo Hanzhou was willing to offer a way out, Lu Guoan nodded repeatedly.
“Everyone, please take a seat.”
Mo Hanzhou rolled his wheelchair to the head of the table. His wheelchair could adjust its height up and down, adapting to most occasions. As soon as he took his seat, Lu Qiao walked over to the seat on his right and sat down proactively.
Mo Hanzhou felt a flicker of surprise. He turned his head, and the clean, beautiful boy smiled at him a rather shy smile.
Of course, he had to sit next to Mo Hanzhou. How could he entrust his future to unreliable family members? Happiness had to be fought for himself!
Lu Guoan hadn’t expected his usually timid son to behave this way, but he soon smiled with relief. After all, no matter what, as long as it helped achieve the goal, it was fine.
“Mr. Mo, these past few days, Lu Qiao has been deeply regretful at home. He didn’t expect to get married right after graduation and couldn’t accept it at first, so his reaction was a bit extreme. But after calming down, he’s been filled with regret ever since. That’s why I brought him here today to apologize to you.”
“Isn’t that right, Lu Qiao?”
Lu Qiao didn’t respond to this question. Instead, he just widened his eyes and looked at Mo Hanzhou, his expression innocent and naive.
“Mr. Mo, what kind of person do you like?”
Mo Hanzhou chuckled softly and asked, “Why do you ask?”
“Because I want to become the kind of person you like.”
This sentence caused the Lu family members across the table to freeze in unison. Even Mo Hanzhou’s assistant looked at him with a strange expression.
Mo Hanzhou remained unfazed and continued to ask:
“Why do you want to become someone I like?”
Lu Qiao bit his lip, his gaze clear and pure:
“Because I like you, sir, and I want to be your wife.”
The Lu family: Sips tea, sips tea.
They hadn’t expected their son to suddenly become so clever.
Mo Hanzhou didn’t seem to find anything wrong with this answer. He smiled faintly and said:
“As long as it’s you, I’ll like you no matter what.”
“Really?” Lu Qiao couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Mo Hanzhou said he liked him! That was great his “rich wife” status was secure!
From this incident, we can see that Lu Qiao still lacked experience. After all, a man’s “like” was always just a “like” a kind of affection that could easily turn into “dislike” at any moment. It was just a pity that Lu Qiao, lacking experience, hadn’t yet grasped this life lesson.
Having received Mo Hanzhou’s “like” card, Lu Qiao beamed with joy as he served dishes for Mo Hanzhou, determined to be a thoughtful and caring wife. His enthusiastic and proactive actions drew the attention of everyone present. Lu Guoan hadn’t expected his clumsy son to suddenly become so perceptive and repeatedly remarked:
“This child is just as well-behaved at home.”
Mo Hanzhou nodded and said, “Although A’Qiao is young, he is very sensible.”
“Yes, I’m very well-behaved.”
The obedient boy lifted his face, his cheeks brimming with a smile, gentle and sweet.
Like a brilliant yet harmless flower.
Mo Hanzhou’s eyes flickered slightly, the smile in them deepening a little.
The meal could be described as a joyous gathering for both host and guests. Lu Qiao took care of Mo Hanzhou the entire time, forgetting to eat himself. It was only when Mo Hanzhou reminded him that he remembered.
“You should eat too.”
“Okay.” This time, he didn’t refuse. Instead, he happily started eating. It was clear he had a good appetite, chewing nonstop like a little squirrel. Just watching him made everyone’s appetite grow.
Lu Guoan observed the interaction between the two and tentatively spoke up: “Mr. Mo, our A’Qiao genuinely likes you. When do you think the wedding should take place?”
“There’s no rush regarding the wedding. After all, it’s a major event for both families. I still need to get to know A’Qiao better.”
“Ah, yes, yes.” Lu Guoan didn’t dare to push too hard. After testing the waters, he didn’t bring it up again.
Lu Qiao glanced at Lu Guoan and then at Mo Hanzhou, flashing Mo Hanzhou a big smile:
“Then, sir, remember to come find me.”
Mo Hanzhou’s attitude toward this gentle boy grew even warmer. He replied, “Okay.”
The meal lasted an hour and a half. Since Mo Hanzhou had other arrangements afterward, Lu Guoan didn’t dare keep him any longer. As they were about to part ways, Lu Qiao stood at the entrance of the restaurant, looking back at Mo Hanzhou.
“Mr. Mo, I’ll be waiting for you at home.”
Seeing the hopeful gleam in his eyes, Mo Hanzhou nodded slowly.
“Alright.”
After watching the Lu family leave, Mo Hanzhou finally spoke:
“What do you think of Lu Qiao?”
Mo Hanzhou’s assistant didn’t dare to speculate too much about his boss’s thoughts, only saying, “He seems very well-behaved and is looking forward to becoming Mrs. Mo.”
“Mrs. Mo…” The words rolled off Mo Hanzhou’s tongue as he chuckled softly and said:
“Then let’s see if he can become a good Mrs. Mo.”
The Lu family soon returned home. Based on Lu Qiao’s performance at the dinner table, Lu Guoan was unusually kind to him, praising him a few times before letting him go upstairs to rest.
After Lu Guoan and his son returned to their rooms, Yu Muqing remarked sourly:
“Lu Qiao is really lucky. Even after leaving the Lu family, he still has the Mo family. He deserves a lifetime of happiness.”
“Exactly,” Yu Jiadong, who always followed his mother’s lead, chimed in. “If I weren’t surnamed Yu, this good fortune wouldn’t have fallen to him.”
“What nonsense are you talking?!” Yu Muqing slapped him and scolded harshly, “You’re supposed to get married and have children. How could you marry a man?”
“Hey, I was just joking.”
Nevertheless, Yu Muqing’s words left a mark on Yu Jiadong’s mind. He had always disliked Lu Qiao, and after Lu Guoan went out in the evening, he slowly wandered to the back of the yard. Lu Qiao was enjoying the beginning of his second life, his face filled with contentment, which only made Yu Jiadong even more displeased.
With a malicious smile, Yu Jiadong approached Lu Qiao as usual, placing a hand on the rattan chair where Lu Qiao was sitting.
“Little Qiao, I’m out of money. Lend me some pocket money, will you?”
Lu Qiao hated it when people called him “Little Qiao,” mainly because those who did so usually harbored ill intentions.
Lu Qiao lifted his face coldly, glancing sideways at his cheap, rat-faced brother.
He gently set down his book and said, “Alright, come to my room.”
Although the old Lu Qiao had been timid, he never allowed Yu Jiadong into his room, perhaps because he found Yu Jiadong dirty. But someone who had never paid any attention to Lu Qiao wouldn’t notice his unusual behavior. Yu Jiadong happily followed Lu Qiao into the room.
As soon as he entered, Lu Qiao turned and closed the door. The next moment, he clenched his fist and punched Yu Jiadong hard in the stomach.
Yu Jiadong collapsed, clutching his stomach before he could utter a single word. The obedient and innocent expression on Lu Qiao’s face vanished completely. With a half-smile, he patted Yu Jiadong’s face, making loud slapping sounds.
“Who gave you permission to talk to me like that, huh? I wanted to say this yesterday, what do you think you are?”
A kitten should act like a kitten cute and harmless. Don’t think that just because the owner doesn’t bother with you, you can do whatever you want.
The slapping sounds on his face humiliated Yu Jiadong completely. Pale-faced and unwilling to back down, he shouted angrily:
“You dare hit me? I’ll tell my mom. ugh”
Another punch landed with a “thud.” Lu Qiao lifted the man, who was now covered in cold sweat and lying on the floor, shaking his head with a tsk-tsk.
“Why won’t you listen? What good would calling your mom do? Have her join you in getting beaten up? That doesn’t seem right, does it?”
Lu Qiao grabbed his hair, forcing Yu Jiadong to look up at his face. Staring into the boy’s half-smiling eyes, Yu Jiadong suddenly felt it was entirely possible he would actually go through with it.
“You could also have your mother complain to my dad, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Think about it, what’s your status, and what’s mine? You don’t really think my dad would scold his own son, who’s about to marry into the Mo family, for the sake of an outsider like you, do you?”
This person was really too easy to handle. Losing interest, Lu Qiao let go, dusted off his palms, and stood up.
“Alright, alright, get out. From now on, watch your tone when you speak to me. A pet shouldn’t bare its fangs at its owner.”
With that, he grabbed the man by the collar, opened the door, and threw him out.
Yu Jiadong tumbled down the hallway for a while before shakily getting to his feet. His face burned with humiliation. He wanted to barge back in and confront Lu Qiao, but remembering his earlier display, he timidly withdrew his hand. Clutching his stomach, he went downstairs and saw Yu Muqing. Instinctively, he wanted to complain.
Just then, Yu Muqing spotted him and urgently said:
“Guo’an just called and told me to take good care of Lu Qiao. It seems they don’t want to upset him before he marries into the Mo family. You’d better not provoke him during this time either the family still needs him right now.”
The words stuck in Yu Jiadong’s throat instantly choked back. His face paled, then flushed, then paled again, until finally, he forced out through gritted teeth:
“Understood.”