Yu Jiadong harbored resentment toward Lu Qiao in his heart, but he had also been warned by his mother not to lay a hand on him. This left him feeling utterly miserable, unable to find any joy in anything he did.
He was currently working at a logistics company under the Lu family, living a life of clocking in, slacking off, dozing through the day, and clocking out. It wasn’t that he did little serious work it was more accurate to say he did none at all.
One day, he seized an opportunity to drive out for a spin. As he passed by the largest commercial building in the city center, he happened to see a group of bodyguards surrounding Mo Hanzhou as he emerged. The entire team was fully armed, heading toward a gleaming silver Koenigsegg parked in the square.
Yu Jiadong suddenly remembered that this commercial building was also under the Mo family’s umbrella. Watching the proud and handsome man under the sunlight, a plan formed in his mind. He quickly got out of his car and hurried toward the man, straightening his clothes just before approaching, appearing impeccably dressed.
“Mr. Mo, what a coincidence!”
Two bodyguards stood in front of Mo Hanzhou. His gaze shifted past them to the man walking toward him, his eyes flickering as if trying to recall something. After a moment, a faint smile slowly spread across his lips.
“Ah, Young Master Yu. What a coincidence indeed.”
“Yes, yes, what a coincidence!” Yu Jiadong chuckled foolishly before continuing:
“Mr. Mo, after our last dinner, why haven’t you come to spend time with our Ah Qiao? He’s been so bored at home, either going out clubbing with one friend or drinking with another. Even Dad can’t control him.”
Under the sunlight, Mo Hanzhou’s gaze sharpened slightly as he looked at the man opposite him, who feigned innocence. Yu Jiadong, still unaware of the shift in atmosphere, continued to smile ingratiatingly at him.
Gradually, the smile faded from Mo Hanzhou’s face.
Mo Hanzhou was accustomed to using a business-like smile as a mask, but that was merely his basic courtesy. Anyone who had ever negotiated with him at the same table knew just how cold his true nature could be.
Without his smile, Mo Hanzhou exuded an aura of chill. Yu Jiadong watched him from a distance, feeling an inexplicable sense of unease. Despite the blazing sun, a shiver ran down his spine, and he nervously glanced around.
On the other side, Mo Hanzhou paid him no further attention. He had already been escorted into the car by his bodyguards, and his assistant took a seat beside him. Mo Hanzhou closed his eyes in contemplation for a moment before saying:
“Why did he tell me all that?”
The assistant speculated, “Probably because he doesn’t like Young Master Lu Qiao.”
He paused before adding, “It seems Young Master Lu Qiao isn’t having an easy time in the Lu family.”
“With a stepmother comes a stepfather. The ancients truly didn’t lie.”
Mo Hanzhou seemed to think of something, a flicker of disgust flashing in his eyes. Then, a playful smile appeared on his lips as he said, “Connect me to Lu Qiao’s phone. I want to have a good chat with my fiancée and strengthen our bond.”
On the other end, Lu Qiao was thoroughly enjoying his life. His daily schedule consisted of nothing but eating, drinking, playing games, and watching movies. He had never known life could be so delightful. Yet, even amid such happiness, when he received Mo Hanzhou’s call, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of genuine excitement.
“Mr. Mo!”
He called out brightly.
Mo Hanzhou could sense the joy in his voice, and it infected him, causing his lips to curl slightly. His tone turned teasing.
“What are you up to?”
“Reading a book and playing games.”
He was quite obedient, not even bothering to lie.
“How did you get my phone number, sir?”
“What a naive question,” Mo Hanzhou replied. “You’re my fiancée, of course I have your phone number.”
On the other end, the boy seemed to giggle foolishly again. Even through the phone, Mo Hanzhou could sense his pure, innocent, and somewhat coquettish aura.
Whether he was genuinely naive or just pretending, Mo Hanzhou found the boy quite comforting at this moment.
However.
“I ran into your brother today. He said you’ve been going out with friends every day lately and only coming home late at night. Be careful, alright?” His tone carried a hint of meaning.
Although Lu Qiao was accustomed to using his fists, it didn’t mean he didn’t use his brain. After a moment of thought, he understood what Mo Hanzhou was implying.
He hadn’t expected such an unexpected bonus. If he’d known, he would have punched Yu Jiadong a few more times. But it didn’t matter he could make up for it next time.
Lu Qiao pretended to be clueless, speaking innocently, “I haven’t! Ever since having dinner with you, I’ve been staying at home—reading, watching movies, occasionally playing games. I haven’t gone out at all, let alone stayed out overnight!”
Whether it was true or not, Mo Hanzhou didn’t feel the need to press further. He went along with Lu Qiao’s words:
“That sounds so pitiful. Would you like to come out and have dinner with me this Saturday?”
There was a sudden pause on the other end, followed by an exclamation:
“Is it a date?”
“I want to go! I’ll go!”
“Alright then. I’ll have my assistant send you the location. Do you need me to send someone to pick you up?”
“No need! I’ll be there on time!”
Every word from the boy was soaked in joy. Mo Hanzhou couldn’t help but smile at his innocent tone. After exchanging a few more words, he hung up.
After setting down his phone, he turned to his assistant. “Add him on WeChat and send him the location for ‘Jushan Courtyard.'”
“Yes, sir.”
Tossing his phone aside, Lu Qiao bounced up and down three times on the spot, then immediately began to feel nervous about the upcoming date. This was his first date ever so exciting, so nerve-wracking, so thrilling!
This was what it meant to live life to the fullest!
Lu Qiao quickly opened his wardrobe and started pulling out clothes from the inside out. Ideally, he’d prefer to just throw on a T-shirt and shorts, but as his hand reached for a pair of shorts, he abruptly stopped.
He recalled the scene before their last dinner, when the makeup artist and his father kept talking about appearing delicate, obedient, and pitiable. Although he had no experience in romance, it didn’t mean he was completely clueless. He thought his father’s advice made sense.
He once had a subordinate who was a terror in front of others, but behind closed doors… tsk. The moment he was with his boyfriend, he turned into a whimpering mess, acting as if he couldn’t even open a bottle cap without his boyfriend’s help.
As his subordinate put it: “Love is when he feels you need his protection!”
Lu Qiao had a sudden epiphany.
Time to become a whimpering mess!
Suppressing his straight-male instincts, Lu Qiao chose an outfit similar to the one he wore last time. He was truly hopeless at makeup, but fortunately, he was naturally good-looking. Even without makeup, he still looked fresh, tender, and innocent.
When Lu Qiao’s father heard he was going to have dinner with Mo Hanzhou, he enthusiastically saw him off, even saying, “Come back whenever you want.”
Hilarious. As if he wanted me to just move in with him.
I wouldn’t mind, though.
In high spirits, Lu Qiao got into the car. The luxurious Mercedes-Benz sped smoothly along the wide road, quickly approaching its destination. As he gazed out the window, his eyes suddenly lit up, and he called out:
“Stop for a moment!”
The car slowly pulled over to the side of the road.
“Wait for me. I’m going to buy something. I’ll be back soon.”
Lu Qiao dashed across the road to a flower shop on the other side and returned in less than five minutes, moving swiftly as expected.
“Let’s continue driving.”
“Yes.”
In high spirits, Lu Qiao gently stroked the flowers in his hand, then eagerly placed them into a paper bag from the shop, followed by a transparent bag, zipping it up.
Perfect!
“Jushan Yuan” was located beside a designated lake in the city center, nestled in a tranquil area surrounded by parks. Without prior knowledge, one would hardly know such a private dining establishment was hidden here.
Mo Hanzhou had sent someone to wait at the entrance the same assistant Lu Qiao had seen during their last meal. As Lu Qiao stepped out of the car, he glanced around curiously. Fang Zhongbai immediately approached.
“Young Master Lu Qiao, Mr. Mo is waiting for you inside.”
“Ah, okay.”
Lu Qiao took a few steps forward, paused, and handed the bag to Fang Zhongbai. “Could you please hold this for me?”
“Of course.”
Fang Zhongbai accepted it with ease. The private dining establishment was not only serene on the outside but also uniquely charming inside. Every flower and plant exuded a rustic charm though it was the kind of rustic imagined by city dwellers, making it all the more innocent.
Though Mo Hanzhou was said to be waiting inside, when the two reached the entrance of a large wooden building, he stood smiling on the steps a few paces away.
A blush spread across Lu Qiao’s fair face as he hurried forward. “Mr. Mo.”
Mo Hanzhou looked at him warmly. “You’re here. Let’s go in.”
Just as Lu Qiao was about to step inside, he suddenly remembered something. He quickly turned around, unzipped the plastic bag held by the assistant, and pulled out a paper bag.
Gently opening the paper bag, the fragrance and vibrant colors instantly captivated everyone present.
Noble champagne roses paired with delicate baby’s breath, exuding a mix of pride and cuteness much like the impression Lu Qiao gave.
Lu Qiao stepped forward.
“For me?”
“Yes, for you.”
Mo Hanzhou took the bouquet, lowered his head to inhale its scent, and looked up with a smile. “Thank you.”
Lu Qiao smiled shyly.
Fang Zhongbai couldn’t help but glance sideways.
The group entered the establishment and settled into a private room. As the host, Mo Hanzhou introduced the restaurant’s specialties and the origins of its chefs.
“This place specializes in Jiangsu-Zhejiang cuisine. The chefs have all served as head chefs in five-star hotels in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang region for over ten years, each with their own signature dishes.”
“Really? Then I can enjoy delicious food?”
“Of course.” Mo Hanzhou chuckled at his innocent remark and continued, “Moreover, they don’t just focus on their signature dishes. With so many masters gathered here, they collaborate, discuss, and innovate together. That’s why the flavors here are unique unlike any other restaurant.”
“Wonderful!” The boy’s face lit up with anticipation. “I love good food.”
Who doesn’t? Lu Qiao was enthusiastic but not noisy. Whenever Mo Hanzhou introduced a dish, he would listen intently, his eyes wide with curiosity. The beautiful boy’s gaze sparkled like starlight, his focused expression making it seem as though he genuinely cared about the topic. Even Mo Hanzhou couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction, indulging in a bit of masculine vanity.
“You know so much, sir. Do you come here often?”
“Oh.” Mo Hanzhou smiled faintly. “I own this restaurant.”
“Is that so?” Lu Qiao first expressed surprise, then quickly added, “Then can I come often in the future?”
“Of course.”
The master chef’s skills were indeed excellent. Lu Qiao unconsciously ate a lot, and by the end, his little belly was noticeably full.
He looked down at his slightly bloated stomach with a troubled expression. Mo Hanzhou tactfully avoided drawing attention to it and simply asked:
“Where would you like to go next?”
Lu Qiao turned his head to look out the window at the lush little garden:
“I’d like to take a walk with you, sir.”
Not far from the restaurant was a long pedestrian path lined with plane trees on both sides. It was early October, and while the weather wasn’t yet cool, the plane trees had already begun to change color, their leaves half-green and half-yellow, carpeting the ground. Stepping on them produced a crisp, rustling sound.
Along one side of the path, wildflowers had been casually planted not intentionally cultivated or of any rare variety. Their petals were small, yet they thrived with vitality, dotting the area beside the tall plane trees with a touch of understated freshness.
Lu Qiao took the initiative to push the wheelchair. The wheelchair was actually automated, crafted with the latest global technology, making it highly convenient and equipped with many functions beyond the typical scope of a wheelchair. However, when two people walked together, whether one was pushing from behind felt more like a tangible expression of closeness.
Fang Zhongbai and a few bodyguards watched them from one end of the path, ready to rush over at a moment’s call.
Lu Qiao spoke little, and Mo Hanzhou wasn’t much of a talker either. The two quietly enjoyed the afternoon, exchanging only occasional casual remarks. Suddenly, Lu Qiao stopped walking, took a few large strides to the side of the path, and crouched down.
When he returned, he held a small flower in his hand. He offered it to Mo Hanzhou:
“Sir, please help me put it on.”
The young man’s eyes were clear, as if one could see straight through to the bottom. As Mo Hanzhou took the flower, his fingertips brushed against the skin of the other’s palm unlike the young man himself, it carried a faint coolness.
Mo Hanzhou gently combed through the young man’s black hair with his fingers and placed the small flower above the left side of his bangs.
Ordinarily, a man wearing a flower might seem quite ridiculous, but Lu Qiao’s skin was fair and delicate, his short black hair as deep and soft as his eyelashes and pupils. The pale yellow flower nestled in his hair didn’t feel out of place at all; instead, it carried an indescribable sense of gentleness and obedience.
Lu Qiao crouched in front of Mo Hanzhou, looking up at him intently. When he caught the flicker of admiration in the man’s eyes, he leaned forward and rested his head on Mo Hanzhou’s lap. Mo Hanzhou’s fingers twitched slightly, but he didn’t stop him.