Lu Qiao’s mind was a muddled mess. The terms mentioned by Lawyer Zhang flashed through his brain, leaving only a vague impression.
Golden Rainbow Manor wasn’t that where they had gotten married?
He took the document and focused his gaze. At the top were several large characters: “Golden Rainbow Manor Gift Contract.” Inside, it read: Party A, Mo Hanzhou, voluntarily gifts the property located at “Golden Rainbow Manor” in Lushan, Pingcheng, to Party B, Lu Qiao. Party B voluntarily accepts the gift.
He jumped up abruptly
“Sir is giving me Golden Rainbow Manor? That’s the manor where we held our wedding, right?”
Mo Hanzhou watched his exaggerated reaction with amusement.
“Yes, isn’t that what it says?”
Lu Qiao alternated between staring at the contract and Mo Hanzhou, his shock tinged with confusion. “Why?”
Mo Hanzhou wheeled his chair forward, patted his head, and said with a laugh in his voice, “You’ve been wronged in this matter, and besides, you are my wife. Isn’t it natural for me to give you whatever I want?”
Lu Qiao sat back down in a daze.
Back then, he hadn’t spoken up about the incident simply because he felt Mo Hanzhou was too pitiful. Whether in terms of background, ability, or appearance, Mo Hanzhou could be called a “heaven’s favored one,” yet because of his physical disability, even someone as lowly as Mo Yunchong dared to insult him by provoking his partner.
During that time, Mo Hanzhou had been so good to him. Lu Qiao truly couldn’t bear to stab him in the heart. Of course, he hadn’t expected Mo Yunchong to be so unreasonable, pestering him again and again. If he had known, he might as well have told Mo Hanzhou from the start and had the man dealt with directly.
But regardless, the reason Mo Hanzhou was giving him the manor was because Lu Qiao was Mo Hanzhou’s wife, so Mo Hanzhou wanted to give him a gift.
Is this what it means to be a cherished wife?
I can do this!
Mo Hanzhou watched the dramatic changes on his face with amusement and deliberately asked, “Are you happy?”
“Happy, very happy!”
Of course he was happy. Lu Qiao never imagined that a mere Mo Yunchong could bring him such an unexpected surprise. Sharing a husband’s assets as a wife was one thing, but having them written under his own name was entirely different.
The most direct expression of his happiness was his eagerness to inspect his future territory.
Golden Rainbow Manor had always been maintained daily. Because Lu Qiao was coming, the manor, which had been idle since the wedding, opened its doors early in the morning. Over a dozen servants in the manor had been busy from seven in the morning until ten, when a black Porsche slowly passed through the guard post and entered the gates.
The manor was arranged in the grand, old-fashioned manner of a feudal family welcoming its master.
This time, only Lu Qiao came. Mo Hanzhou had other matters to attend to and didn’t accompany him, but his presence wasn’t important anyway. Previously, Lu Qiao had felt like a half-guest, half-host because he was merely the wife of the manor’s owner—the ownership was just a step removed. But now it was different. Now, he was the master of this territory!
He, openly and rightfully!
Stepping forward!
Lu Qiao arrived at the estate with a proud and spirited air. As he approached, he saw a grove of maple trees, their fiery red leaves contrasting with the still-green evergreens, exuding vibrant vitality. Lu Qiao nodded in satisfaction. After the car passed through the main gate, the view gradually opened up a lawn the size of several football fields, a massive fountain pool, and a central sculpture. On both sides of the road, flower beds filled with rare and expensive blooms.
Everything, absolutely everything, delighted Lu Qiao immensely.
Yes! It’s all mine!
“Madam.”
As soon as he stepped out of the car, a woman in her forties stepped forward from a line of imposing-looking servants and called out to him.
Lu Qiao descended from the car with the dignified air of a noblewoman.
“You must be Aunt Jing.”
Before coming, Uncle Zhuang had briefly introduced him to the estate’s housekeeper, Aunt Jing, who had been at the manor for over a decade.
Aunt Jing nodded with a smile and introduced the estate’s staff to Lu Qiao. Apart from the two guards still on duty, there were twelve people in total, both inside and outside the estate. Among them, four were responsible for landscaping and cleaning, two for interior maintenance, two in the kitchen, one dedicated driver, and two for daily security and upkeep. Aunt Jing was in charge of managing them all.
“If Madam and Sir come to stay often, we’ll need to arrange for an additional driver and a family doctor.”
Lu Qiao: This reeks of money and he loved it!
Lu Qiao was now viewing everything through rose-tinted glasses, finding joy in every corner. The greenery and architecture outside the villa, the furnishings and decorations inside nothing displeased him. But then again, they had only been married for a month. For their wedding, the estate had spared no expense, hiring top-tier designers for a complete renovation. Everything was still fresh and new how could it not be perfect?
Lu Qiao walked through the estate, nodding all the way, feeling an overwhelming sense of affection that was hard to express. He then gathered the servants and greeted each one warmly, inquiring in detail about their lives at the estate, embodying the role of a gracious hostess and noblewoman.
He had lunch at the estate. The chef, it was said, had been poached from a five-star hotel, and his skills were indeed excellent. But if Lu Qiao had to compare, he still preferred the meals at the Mo residence.
After returning, he couldn’t stop praising the estate. A week later, he received the property deed and gleefully twirled around with the little booklet in hand. Finally, he solemnly placed it beneath their marriage certificate.
Mo Hanzhou watched the whole scene and teased him:
“Little money-grubber.”
“I’m not little I’m a big money-grubber.”
“Silly little thing.”
“Even Yue Yilin praised me for being clever.”
“He’s a silly thing himself.”
“Then Yue Yilin and I are a perfect match?”
“Silly little things can only match with big smart ones.”
“Sir, you’re so embarrassing.”
“…”
With the property deed in hand, Lu Qiao’s mood improved even at work, and the world seemed brighter. One day, Mrs. Sheng came over for tea. Lu Qiao had already mastered a great deal of professional knowledge stocks, funds, painting, flower arranging, fashion, and more. He conversed with Mrs. Sheng seamlessly, as smoothly as a professional male escort.
Mrs. Sheng brought up their previous gathering, saying it had been very enjoyable, and the other ladies were urging her to arrange another get-together soon.
Lu Qiao replied shyly and demurely, “I’ve always been taken care of by all the ladies, and I feel indebted. This time, let me host.”
“Wonderful,” Mrs. Sheng agreed readily. “Where would you like to hold it? Do you have a place in mind? If not, I can recommend a few.”
Two rosy clouds bloomed on Lu Qiao’s cheeks as he replied with a shy yet unmistakably happy tone, “Yes, there is. It’s the estate where Han Zhou and I held our wedding last time. Han Zhou just gifted it to me, and I thought I’d invite everyone over to gather and liven the place up a bit.”
Mrs. Sheng was taken aback for a moment before her face lit up with delight. “That’s wonderful! It’s such a lovely place. Then it’s settled.”
“Mm.”
After returning home, Lu Qiao mentioned the matter to Mo Hanzhou. Mo Hanzhou was momentarily stunned. He had always been cautious about Lu Qiao’s gender and hadn’t considered grooming him into the role of Mrs. Mo. The previous flower-arranging incident had already surprised him, but he never expected Lu Qiao to have already integrated himself to the point of hosting a ladies’ gathering.
Though Mo Hanzhou felt a flicker of unease, he didn’t dwell on it. If this was Lu Qiao’s own wish, he would respect it.
“Can you manage everything on your own? Do you need me to find someone to help you?”
“No need,” Lu Qiao replied softly and sweetly, his excitement barely contained. “I can handle it myself.”
“Alright then.”
And indeed, Lu Qiao could handle it himself after all, with enough money, what kind of experienced talent couldn’t be hired?
That morning, people came and went from the estate villa in a steady stream.
An experienced event planner directed the staff, moving items back and forth in an orderly, efficient manner. From time to time, a clear and elegant male voice could be heard:
“Place this vase here, Be careful with that plate it’s part of a set.”
“The flowers are here! Quick, bring them in.”
Shen Zhuohe watched Lu Qiao bustling about the hall with mixed feelings. A month ago, he had thought the young man before him was too naive, worrying whether he could fit into the flashy and murky social circle. But now, it seemed not only had he integrated seamlessly, but he was thriving even flourishing.
Lu Qiao had just finished instructing a servant to arrange flowers in a vase when he turned and saw Shen Zhuohe. A smile immediately graced his face. His cheeks were still flushed with excitement, his eyes sparkling with vitality clearly someone basking in happiness.
Even his speech carried a hint of upper-class refinement:
“Mr. Shen, thank you. If it weren’t for your help, I wouldn’t have known how to manage.”
“Not at all. I should be thanking you for the business.”
Shen Zhuohe playfully winked, and Lu Qiao burst into laughter, his expression radiating innocence and joy.
Shen Zhuohe recalled the rumor he’d heard that Mo Hanzhou had gifted this estate, worth no less than a billion, to the young man before him. Though he’d long known that marrying Mo Hanzhou meant stepping into a world of wealth, hearing the news still stirred a pang of envy in his heart.
He feigned a joking tone:
“I heard Mr. Mo gifted this estate to you, Young Master Lu. I’m so jealous you two must have such a wonderful relationship.”
A smile bloomed from the depths of the young man’s eyes, as sweet as dust floating in the air, so naturally settling on his face.
Shen Zhuohe thought to himself: Damn, I’m getting jealous. Seriously jealous.
After chatting with Shen Zhuohe for a while, Lu Qiao turned back to his tasks. Though he called it “busy,” it was more like aimless bustling just like every other inexperienced outsider Shen Zhuohe had seen who loved to micromanage. He couldn’t help but wonder: Do wealthy people really have a thing for innocent, naive little rabbits?
It was baffling. Truly baffling.
By 1 PM, guests began arriving at the estate one after another. The open-air parking lot was soon filled with luxury cars Ferraris, Rolls-Royces, BMWs, and more resembling a high-end auto show.
After stepping out of their cars, the ladies and young misses, clad in stiletto heels and carrying limited-edition handbags, wore expressions of confidence and pride. Among them were some new acquaintances and others who were already familiar faces. Leading the group were Mrs. Sheng and Mrs. Lin, who had previously visited the welfare home together.
Mrs. Sheng, with her usual blend of warmth and dignified grace, exchanged a few pleasantries with Lu Qiao before introducing him to the newcomers.
“This is Yu Shangjie, the fashion editor-in-chief of Jeunesse.”
“And this is Lin Yu, a renowned interior designer in the country. When she heard about the tea party at Golden Rainbow Estate, she insisted I bring her along.”
Yu Shangjie sported a sleek, short hairstyle, her makeup and attire impeccably refined. Lin Yu was a stunning beauty with an elegant and radiant presence, her curly hair exuding charm. She extended her hand with a smile:
“This is the famous Golden Rainbow Estate. The temptation was too great for me to resist. Thanks to Mr. Lu, I finally have the chance to see it up close.”
“You’re too kind, Miss Lin. You’re welcome to visit anytime you like.”
Lin Yu readily agreed: “Absolutely. I hope you won’t find me bothersome then.”
Her remark sparked another round of lighthearted laughter. Lu Qiao could tell that while neither of these women came from top-tier backgrounds, they were highly capable, open-minded, and got along well with the other ladies.
This proved that as long as one had sufficient ability, the upper class would open its doors to them.
Once the guests were seated, the assisting staff and household servants flitted among them like butterflies. The room was exquisitely decorated, luxurious yet devoid of any hint of vulgarity, radiating nothing but tasteful elegance.
Mid-November brought a slight chill, but the villa was heated just right warm without being stifling. Everything felt like a scene from an old-world aristocratic painting or a depiction of high society from a bygone era.
Lu Qiao sat among the ladies, chatting about fashion, jewelry, charity, and the like. His “knowledge” had advanced by leaps and bounds, and he spoke with grace and ease, even citing references effortlessly. However, to Yu Shangjie, a seasoned fashion editor, Lu Qiao’s demeanor still carried the air of someone cramming at the last minute.
Everything he said was either basic or recently covered in magazines, lacking any personal insight.
Yu Shangjie recalled his background: a discarded son from a mid-tier family, sold off as a marriage pawn to Mo Hanzhou. It was said he had only earned an ordinary bachelor’s degree from an unremarkable university. After marrying into the Mo family, he must have lived in constant fear of being looked down upon, hence his “diligence” likely having pored over fashion magazines from the past year until they were worn out.
A flicker of pity crossed Yu Shangjie’s mind. Mo Hanzhou was indeed from a top-tier wealthy family. If not for his disability, someone as shallow as Lu Qiao would never have had a chance.
Countless thoughts raced through Yu Shangjie’s mind, yet she maintained a bright smile, responding to the ladies with poise and confidence.
Just then, a series of sharp, rapid footsteps echoed through the hall, accompanied by a gust of cold air.
Several people looked up at the sound.
Slap!
A heavy blow landed squarely on Yu Shangjie’s face.
“You dare steal my man, Yu Shangjie? You think you’re something special, huh?!”
The slap came so suddenly that several people present were momentarily stunned. It was Mrs. Sheng who reacted first, exclaiming in shock:
“Peipei, what are you doing here? There must be some misunderstanding—isn’t your boyfriend Huai Jing?”
“That’s right,” the girl named Peipei sneered, crossing her arms as she glared coldly at the woman in front of her, who seemed dazed from the blow.
“Cheng Huai Jing and I are engaged. I thought everyone in Pingcheng knew about it. Who would have thought this woman would pretend to be discussing business openly while secretly meeting him behind my back?”
“If I hadn’t been cautious enough to have someone follow you, I’d never have known you two were sneaking around behind my back!”
Furious, she grabbed her bag and swung it down. “Putting on that all-work-no-play act, using work as an excuse to seduce a man you’re nothing but a slut!”
“What nonsense are you spouting?!” Yu Shangjie finally seemed to snap out of it, forcefully pushing Peipei’s bag away and shouting:
“Cheng Huai Jing and I are just working together. For private interviews, we sometimes go to quieter places. When I interview female clients, don’t we go out together too? Why is it different just because it’s a man?”
“Private interviews? Since when do private interviews involve going shopping at the mall after dinner, or even looking at beds? What, have you switched careers to become a mall salesperson or a mattress tester?”
“Watch your mouth!”
People around them tried to intervene, including Lu Qiao, who put on the polite demeanor of a host, gently trying to mediate. But inside, he was thinking:
Wow, this is so thrilling!
He’d often seen tabloids and TV shows about wealthy families embroiled in dramatic conflicts two men fighting over one woman, two women competing for one man, lovers turning out to be siblings (or even mother and son). He’d never had the chance to witness such drama before, but ever since marrying into the Mo family, he’d been eagerly waiting for it. And now, it was finally happening!
This is so much fun!
Lu Qiao’s eyes sparkled with excitement. While pretending to mediate, he subtly fueled the fire first suggesting it might be a misunderstanding, saying someone as beautiful as Miss Yu wouldn’t need to stoop to such things since she surely had plenty of suitors; then urging Miss Yu to clarify if there was a misunderstanding, perhaps she was just testing how soft the bed was. He had truly mastered the essence of playing the malicious supporting character.
The two women finally escalated to the point of physical confrontation. Though Lu Qiao wanted to enjoy the show, he didn’t want them ruining his tea party. A fight would be too unsightly. He had a dance studio maybe they could take it there?
Just as the young lady was about to slap the other woman again, Lu Qiao pretended to stop her:
“Miss Peipei, please calm down. Don’t resort to violence.”
Peipei, her face flushed and neck strained from arguing, was in no mood to listen. She shoved Lu Qiao aside and roared at him:
“Who do you think you are? Mind your own business!”
Lu Qiao was momentarily stunned by her outburst, his mind going blank for a second. To outsiders, it looked like he’d been cowed. Mrs. Sheng’s expression immediately darkened as she snapped:
“Peipei, what are you saying? Apologize to Young Master Lu!”
Only after the words left her mouth did Peipei remember Lu Qiao’s status. No matter how much she looked down on him in her heart, he was Mo Hanzhou’s wife someone not to be disrespected by just anyone.
But at that moment, her emotions had taken over, leaving no room for reason in her mind. She shouted at Lu Qiao, “Why should I apologize? Who does he think he is, deserving my apology? I was talking to the vixen who seduced my man! What business does he have interfering? Or does he want to help that bitch too?”
Mrs. Sheng grew anxious. “Pei Pei!”
“It’s fine, it’s fine.”
Lu Qiao waved his hand, his expression gentle and forgiving. “I know Miss Pei isn’t in a good mood right now. I won’t take it to heart.”
Several of the ladies praised his magnanimity and grace.
Yu Shangjie, publicly humiliated and feeling deeply ashamed, quickly left. Pei Pei, still seething with anger, followed him down the mountain. The atmosphere in the villa grew awkward, and it took nearly half an hour before everyone settled back down.
“I’m truly sorry,” Mrs. Sheng said. “I invited everyone here to relax, but instead, I’ve made things unpleasant.”
Everyone quickly reassured her, “Not at all, not at all.”
Mrs. Sheng observed Lu Qiao’s unwavering smile and impeccable manners, thinking to herself that he was quite a decent person—at least he didn’t hold grudges or let minor issues show on his face like some others.
The others felt the same way and, in return for his kindness, treated him even more warmly.
Lu Qiao: Unexpectedly gained some goodwill points.
Lu Qiao blinked his long, narrow eyelashes, his expression unreadable beneath his dark bangs. He asked softly, “Who was Miss Pei Pei’s boyfriend?”
“It’s Cheng Huaijing, the second son of the Cheng family from Tianfeng Real Estate. He’s a rare good kid doesn’t go out and fool around like others. How could he?”
“Yes, yes,” others chimed in. “Could it be a misunderstanding?”
“Hmph,” a voice sneered coldly. “A misunderstanding? When has news of a man fooling around outside ever been a misunderstanding?”
The others: “Cough, cough, cough.”
The voice laughed again, icy and detached. “Men are all the same. Do you really think they can stay pure?”
The others: “Cough, cough, cough, cough!”
The only man present: Wow, sister, do you have a story to tell?
Unfortunately, Lu Qiao’s status in the socialite circle wasn’t high enough to delve into the past with this beautiful lady. Regretful but undeterred, his fighting spirit was reignited.
Indeed, he still had higher peaks to climb!
That evening, when Mo Hanzhou returned home from work, he found his young wife lying on the bed, engrossed in a video. The content of the video was. a personal introduction of Cheng Huaijing, the second son of the Cheng family from Tianfeng Real Estate?
“What are you watching?”
“Sir, you’re back!”
The boy on the bed jumped up and bounded over to him, and only then did Mo Hanzhou feel a bit more at ease.
“What are you watching?”
“Oh, this?”
Lu Qiao enthusiastically recounted the events of the day, focusing on the tangled relationships between the three people, while glossing over the part where the girl had pushed him.
“So that’s what happened,” Mo Hanzhou mused, as if recalling something. “I remember the Pei and Cheng families had an arranged marriage since their parents’ generation. They’ve always been close. Cheng Huaijing seems decent enough he’s fairly diligent in his work.”
At least compared to other wealthy playboys.
“But even so, he still cheated,” Lu Qiao said. “So, men really can’t be relied on.”
He wrapped his arms around Mo Hanzhou’s neck. “Except for us married men.”
Mo Hanzhou teased, “Many married men cheat too.”
“I don’t know how, but does sir know?”
“I it depends on your performance.”
Lu Qiao immediately said with full confidence, “Don’t worry, since I don’t know how, sir won’t either.”
“Alright, you’re the best.”
Originally, this gossip would have just been heard and forgotten after all, gossip tends to go in one ear and out the other. But that day, Lu Qiao and Mo Hanzhou happened to run into the male lead at the center of the rumors.
It was a fairly pleasant day, and the two were out for a meal.
After eating extravagant delicacies every day, their palates had grown a bit weary. So, Lu Qiao deliberately chose a small restaurant that wasn’t particularly famous but had received good reviews from several of his employees.
This restaurant specializes in wild delicacies, offering a variety of seasonal mushrooms. While the cooking methods and ingredients aren’t particularly refined, the flavors are undeniably fresh and delicious.
Although the esteemed CEO Mo was unconventional enough to lower his status and accompany his “humble” little wife to such a modest eatery, they still maintained a certain level of elegance. The two sat in a private room though “private” was a bit of a stretch. It wasn’t entirely enclosed, merely separated by bamboo screens that allowed glimpses of the neighboring room through the gaps on either side.
Lu Qiao wasn’t one to fuss over formalities and focused wholeheartedly on his meal. Meanwhile, Mo Hanzhou happened to glance up, and his expression suddenly deepened.
“Across from us.”
Lu Qiao: “What?”
He was sitting right beside Mo Hanzhou not to serve him, but because there’s a saying: friends sit across from each other, while couples sit side by side. As a young couple, why shouldn’t they sit together?
Following Mo Hanzhou’s gaze, Lu Qiao looked up and was momentarily stunned.
Across from them sat the man he had just seen in a video a couple of days ago, accompanied by a boy who looked particularly innocent and pure. They, too, were sitting side by side. Though their demeanor wasn’t as intimate and natural as Lu Qiao and Mo Hanzhou’s, it still hinted at a closeness beyond ordinary friendship.
The handsome man exuded an elegant, refined air, a testament to his upbringing and education. Simply looking at him could indeed stir one’s heart. Beside him, the boy dressed plainly but radiated youthful vitality, his age lending him an extra sparkle.
His large eyes gazed up at the man with admiration, twinkling like stars.
After a moment, the man said something, and the boy laughed, his eyes sparkling so brightly it seemed the stars might fall out.
“…”
Lu Qiao thoughtfully opened his mouth: “He’s cheating.”
Mo Hanzhou took a sip of hot tea from his cup and calmly replied:
“Maybe it’s his younger brother. A sworn brother.”
Lu Qiao: ? Isn’t that the plot from True Love Unlimited 2: Love Me Again, sir? What on earth have you been watching?