After that, Yu Jiadong became nothing more than a plaything in Lu Qiao’s hands.
Perhaps because he had opened up a new chapter in his life, Lu Qiao was riding high on success. Everything seemed to go his way, and even old friends he hadn’t seen in ages reached out to him. This time, it wasn’t one of the fake friends Yu Jiadong had arranged before it was a genuine friend he had made himself!
Someone from the same social class!
That day, Lu Qiao was at the company. He wasn’t there to manage business affairs; he was simply bored at home. Although the meals and snacks at home were delicious, the variety was limited. How could they compare to the endless and tempting array of junk food available outside?
When the call came, Lu Qiao was engrossed in a mobile game, his character having just died. The vibrating caller ID nearly made him follow his game character to the grave. Staring at the large name on the screen, he wore a thoughtful expression.
There was no record of this name in his memory bank.
Seeing him deep in thought, Yu Jiadong cautiously glanced at the phone. Recognizing the name, he tactfully reminded, “That’s the youngest son of the Zheng family from Kangbo Electronics. He was in the same class as you in elementary and middle school. He went abroad for high school and just returned recently.”
“Were we close?”
Yu Jiadong adopted the same thoughtful expression as Lu Qiao.
Regardless, Lu Qiao answered the call. A lazy voice pierced through the static, rushing into his eardrums:
“Lu Qiao, long time no see. I’m back in the country. Let’s grab a meal.”
Lu Qiao: “Just you and me?”
“Of course, there are others too.”
“Alright, then you decide the time and place.”
“Straight to the point. Let’s meet this Saturday at Ronghua International Grand Hotel.”
Ronghua International Grand Hotel was the most upscale five-star hotel in Pingcheng. As children of wealthy families, their tastes naturally differed. Zheng Xunyi had booked an entire entertainment floor, reserved exclusively for these privileged young heirs to enjoy themselves. By the time Lu Qiao arrived, the open-style room, designed like a quiet bar, was already filled with many people all familiar faces from Lu Qiao’s memory, along with a few popular celebrities brought along for the fun.
In one corner of the bar, a group of people stood in a circle, chatting around the person in the center. That central figure glanced up as Lu Qiao entered, a malicious smile flashing in his eyes before he stepped out of the circle:
“Well, well, if it isn’t Young Master Lu. After all these years, you’re still as impressive as ever.”
First of all, “as impressive as ever” wasn’t a phrase typically used to describe young people. But Lu Qiao understood the cultural limitations of this young master and chose not to dwell on it.
His reason for coming today could only be described as.
Sheer boredom, seeking amusement. If he started off too tense, he’d miss out on the fun.
“Zheng Xunyi, you too. After all these years.” He gave the man in front of him a once-over. After all, coming from a wealthy family and having studied abroad, he still looked presentable. Lu Qiao thought for a moment and decided to follow his heart:
“You look more and more like a human being.”
You son of a Zheng Xunyi’s brows furrowed as he nearly blurted out his true thoughts. Fortunately, he managed to control himself in time, forcing a smile as he said:
“I can’t compare to Young Master Lu.”
Lu Qiao fully displayed the elegant and refined demeanor of high society, replying gently:
“Flattery will get you everywhere.”
Zheng Xunyi:
He continued with a forced smile, “Everyone here is a friend. Make yourself at home.”
After saying that, he returned to his own circle of friends. Lu Qiao had come purely to have fun, but he wasn’t particularly fond of socializing. To clarify, it wasn’t that he disliked socializing he got along famously with online gaming friends, nearly becoming sworn brothers. He simply wasn’t good at meaningless, ineffective social interactions.
The bar counter was laden with delicious treats. Lu Qiao stepped forward and placed two small cakes on his plate. There was one in the distance that was inconvenient to reach, so he was about to ask a server to get it for him. Just as he opened his mouth, someone squeezed in beside him and said brashly:
“Server, give me that cake.” He specifically pointed out and took one of the only two lemon mousse cakes on the counter, not even glancing at Lu Qiao before turning and walking away.
Lu Qiao: “…” Interesting.
There was also bowling in the bar. A few men and women were sitting at the other end, drinking and playing. Lu Qiao walked over, intending to squeeze in a few games when he had the chance. But as soon as he arrived, the group stood up and deliberately walked around him to leave.
“…”
Interesting.
The third time, Lu Qiao spotted a familiar minor celebrity likely the younger sister of the female lead from the drama True Love Unlimited. As a devoted fan of True Love Unlimited, Lu Qiao had no particular feelings toward the sister character after all, the role was too conventional. In the later stages, she didn’t fall in love with her brother-in-law, grow resentful of the female lead, or join the crowd in tormenting the heroine. Instead, she remained the female lead’s ordinary, caring younger sister, which was utterly uninteresting.
But since he had run into her, he might as well strike up a conversation.
Clutching his glass, Lu Qiao approached. Just as he was about to speak, the pretty girl took half a step back as if startled, then gave him an apologetic smile before quickly pulling her companion away.
“…”
Truly fascinating.
Zheng Xunyi watched Lu Qiao standing alone, ostracized, and curled his lips into a smile as he approached with a glass in hand.
“Young Master Lu, how are you enjoying yourself?”
“Not bad.”
Not bad? Look at how no one is paying you any attention.
Zheng Xunyi continued with feigned sincerity, “I remember Young Master Lu was an excellent student when we were young. Which university are you attending now?”
Lu Qiao: “I’ve already graduated.”
“So early? May I ask which institution?”
“Nothing special. Pingcheng University, bachelor’s degree.”
Zheng Xunyi exaggeratedly exclaimed, “How is that possible? All the teachers used to say you were destined for great achievements!”
When Zheng Xunyi was younger, his family background was inferior to Lu Qiao’s. Whether at school or attending events with his family, he had always been overshadowed by Lu Qiao. Today, he finally felt a sense of triumph.
Someone chimed in, “It’s different. Young Master Lu is meant for a family alliance marriage. What’s the point of studying so much? He has a grander purpose!”
“Really?”
“Of course. How can studying compare to an alliance marriage? It can elevate the family business several levels in an instant.”
The group burst into laughter. Many of them also dabbled in same-sex relationships or had fun with the same sex, but for a man to become a pawn in a family alliance marriage or, to put it more bluntly, to be sold off was a subject of ridicule no matter how one looked at it.
Another person added, “But I heard Young Master Lu turned down President Mo. I suppose he believes he can aim for an even better target with his own abilities.”
Public opinion on the marriage alliance between the Lu and Mo families remained stuck at the stage where Lu Qiao had rejected the proposal, a situation that had left the Mo family deeply embarrassed. After Mo Hanzhou took over the Mo family enterprise, his influence grew rapidly. He decisively cut off underperforming business divisions, and under his leadership, the Mo family flourished. Coupled with his ruthless approach toward competitors, everyone assumed Lu Qiao was finished, and the mockery came thick and fast.
Amidst the jeers, Lu Qiao calmly tilted his head back and finished the last sip of juice in his glass. Say what you will, but the juice was pretty good.
He set the glass down on a nearby table, then abruptly turned, fixing Zheng Xunyi opposite him with a commanding gaze. Zheng Xunyi straightened up, fully alert.
Lu Qiao finally spoke:
“You actually said Mo Hanzhou is a cripple and useless you’re slandering Mr. Mo!”
Zheng Xunyi, who had been gearing up for a retort, was taken aback when he heard the words:
“What nonsense are you spouting? When did I ever say that?!”
Lu Qiao wore an expression of righteous indignation: “You said I rejected the marriage because I looked down on Mr. Mo. Mr. Mo’s family background, personality, and looks are all top-tier the only flaw is the injury to his leg. By saying I don’t like Mr. Mo, aren’t you implying that? Or do you think there’s something else wrong with Mr. Mo?”
“Of course there’s nothing wrong with President Mo!”
“Then you’re saying his leg is the problem!”
“I didn’t!”
Without waiting for an explanation, Lu Qiao pointed an accusing finger, his face filled with outrage:
“Mr. Mo is gentle, upright, kind, and generous. You can’t see his virtues, yet you insist on fixating on his pain! Even if you have opinions, you could at least keep them to yourselves in private. But no, you have to bring them out in public and mock him openly. I’m truly heartbroken for Mr. Mo!”
“Both heartbroken and furious!”
He spun around and pulled out his phone: “I’m going to tell Mr. Mo!”
Now it wasn’t just Zheng Xunyi the others panicked too.
“Wait, Lu Qiao, hold on!”
Despite his youth, Mo Hanzhou was a true authority figure. Even their parents’ generation dared not openly clash with him, let alone them. They had been repeatedly warned at home to avoid causing trouble with Mo Hanzhou and to steer clear of him. If word of today’s incident got out, forget how Mo Hanzhou would react they’d first face a beating at home.
Zheng Xunyi flushed red, fuming: “How can you tattle like that?!”
Lu Qiao raised an eyebrow: “Why can’t I?”
“You!”
In Zheng Xunyi’s eyes, Lu Qiao’s behavior was no different from a classmate reporting a dispute to the teacher a disgrace, an act of cowardice, a shame to be remembered for life!
Lu Qiao: I don’t care.
A girl, her eyes red with anger, said, “We were just casually saying a few things about you. Do you have to retaliate like this?”
Lu Qiao looked puzzled: “I’m also just casually saying a few things to Mr. Mo.”
“You ”
Someone tried to mediate: “Alright, alright, it’s just a joke among friends. No need to take it so seriously. Come on, let’s have a drink.”
Someone poured wine into Lu Qiao’s glass, but Lu Qiao lazily stopped them: “Sorry, I don’t drink. Juice, please.”
“…” Whatever!
The person refilled Lu Qiao’s glass with juice and nudged Zheng Xunyi over to clink glasses. Lu Qiao withdrew his hand: “I won’t drink juice with someone who badmouths Mr. Mo!”
Zheng Xunyi: My fists are really itching.
Swallowing his humiliation, he asked, “Then what do you want?”
Lu Qiao thought for a moment. “Sing me a song, and I’ll forgive you for today’s behavior. Ah, it has to be a children’s song.”
Zheng Xunyi’s face turned pale, then flushed, then pale again. Finally, he stomped angrily onto the stage and picked up the microphone.
“Two tigers, two tigers, running fast.”
Lu Qiao, using Mo Hanzhou’s name to throw his weight around, felt absolutely fantastic.
Of course, he wouldn’t tell Mo Hanzhou about this, why hurt the enemy a thousand while hurting himself eight hundred? But he wouldn’t mind if someone with a sense of humor posted it on social media, letting Mo Hanzhou know just how fiercely he defended him.
Whether Mo Hanzhou ever found out about this incident remains unknown, but someone did spread the story elsewhere.
In an art studio, a girl chattered incessantly:
“That Lu Qiao is such a petty person who gets carried away with borrowed power, a dog barking because its master is strong, a fox pretending to be a tiger And he still wants to marry Mo Hanzhou? Would Mo Hanzhou even look at him? Everyone knows Lu Qiao has almost no standing in the Lu family.”
Noticing her friend had been silent for a long time, she stopped her rambling and said sheepishly, “Am I talking too much?”
“No.”
The man in front of her had a refined appearance, clearly raised with care. His face was pale, and his brows revealed a hint of anxiety.
“What’s wrong? Did something happen?”
“…” The man sighed.
“It’s something at home. They’re planning to arrange a business marriage between me and Mo Hanzhou.”