24 – Planning to keep sitting on me?
“Could it be that you still want to stay here and cause trouble?”
Zong Zheng Ye’s tone was indifferent, his eyes carrying a hint of coldness.
Lu Xiao Ning had initially been quite moved, feeling that Zong Zheng Ye had helped her out of a difficult situation. But upon hearing the words “cause trouble,” her mood instantly soured.
Just moments ago, she had been wholeheartedly considering Zong Zheng Ye’s interests, and this was the misunderstanding she received in return?
“I’ll leave on my own, no need for you to keep an eye on me.”
Lu Xiao Ning said discontentedly, pressing the elevator button forcefully.
At that moment, Zongzheng Ting, who was being interviewed, suddenly shifted his gaze toward Lu Xiao Ning’s direction and gestured to the reporters.
The reporters turned curiously and immediately spotted Lu Xiao Ning.
Her attire and clothing were far too ordinary.
Yet, despite such inconspicuous attire, she stood out remarkably at today’s press conference.
“Who is this person?”
“She doesn’t seem to be a member of the royal family?”
“Huh, does she know the Third Prince?”
The reporters were all puzzled, and a few of them seized the opportunity, rushing to Lu Xiao Ning’s side first.
Soon, other reporters crowded over as well.
Instantly, several microphones and camera flashes were directed at her.
Click, click.
The reporters kept snapping photos, the flashes so bright that Lu Xiao Ning could hardly keep her eyes open.
She instinctively raised her hand to shield her vision from the stinging flashes.
The reporters refused to let go of this golden opportunity, clamoring to ask questions.
“Excuse me, miss, why are you present at such an occasion?”
“Do you know the Third Prince?”
“What exactly is going on? Could you share some details with us?”
The reporters’ eyes were fixed intently on Lu Xiao Ning.
Their voices were loud and overwhelming.
Lu Xiao Ning had never experienced such a scene before.
In her past life, she was a programmer employed by a dark organization, living a life devoid of light.
Being exposed under the spotlight triggered an involuntary, unpleasant physical reaction in her.
Beside her, Zong Zheng Ye watched as Lu Xiao Ning’s complexion grew increasingly pale.
Finally, he pushed his wheelchair forward, positioning himself in front of Lu Xiao Ning.
With a commanding yet gentle pull, he drew her into his embrace, seating her on his lap.
His large hand cupped the back of her neck, pressing her small face against his chest.
Facing the pairs of eyes fixed on him, he exuded authority effortlessly, calm yet imposing.
“Today’s focus is my elder brother and sister-in-law. I hope everyone will not stray from the main topic. The royal family hired you at a high salary to handle serious matters, not for you to fool around! Remember your positions!”
The reporters were left speechless, exchanging glances before quickly dispersing.
They were the royal family’s dedicated press team, tasked with enhancing the royal image, not reporting scandals.
In their minds, they had already reached a conclusion: the Third Prince and that commoner were closely connected.
If this matter were publicized, it would undoubtedly cause a major uproar.
After the reporters left, the elevator chimed as its doors opened.
Zong Zheng Ye pushed his wheelchair, carrying Lu Xiao Ning inside.
Wen Jing hesitated for a moment, considering whether to follow, then chose to take another elevator down.
Inside the elevator, Zong Zheng Ye looked at the person in his arms and said coldly, “Planning to sit on me forever?”
“Huh?” Upon hearing this, Lu Xiao Ning immediately sprang up like a coiled spring.
She leaned against the elevator wall, finally regaining her composure.
“I’m not passing the buck, but I won’t shoulder blame that isn’t mine. Today, Zongzheng Ting brought me here. I only found out what was going on when I arrived at the press conference entrance.”
Hearing Lu Xiao Ning directly address his second brother by name, Zong Zheng Ye raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised.
“You and Second Brother knew each other before?”
He could sense this girl’s hostility toward his second brother.
When she saw Second Brother, she was like a little rabbit baring its teeth and claws.
But his second brother was a jackal.
A rabbit fighting a jackal—overestimating its own strength.
“No, we don’t.” Lu Xiao Ning looked puzzled.
Meeting Zong Zheng Ye’s gaze, she faintly detected suspicion in his eyes.
Was her dislike for Zongzheng Ting really that obvious?
“I’ve just heard too many rumors in the streets, knowing he’s a scumbag who loves to play with feelings, so I don’t have a good impression of him.”
“Rumors in the streets? What do they say about me?”
Zong Zheng Ye raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
Lu Xiao Ning chuckled awkwardly: “We’re husband and wife now, so it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to speak ill of you, right?”
Zong Zheng Ye: “…”
So, the rumors about him in the streets weren’t good?
Looking at her awkwardly smiling face, Zong Zheng Ye felt his own awkwardness was about to flare up.
But soon, his expression returned to its usual indifference as he said calmly, “Gan Song will come to pick you up later. Go back with him.”
“OK.” Lu Xiao Ning made a hand gesture.
Zong Zheng Ye looked at her, hesitating to speak.
Given today’s occasion, he hadn’t brought her along. Could she really have no resentment in her heart?
Why could she still smile and laugh as if she didn’t care at all?
Zong Zheng Ye was somewhat puzzled.
With a ding, the elevator doors finally opened.
Lu Xiao Ning showed no reluctance, waving her hand: “Bye-bye.”
Zong Zheng Ye originally intended to close the elevator doors, but seeing Lu Xiao Ning’s solitary figure walking away, he pushed his wheelchair out on his own.
In his eyes, Lu Xiao Ning was a carefree, somewhat clueless tomboy.
He was worried that Second Brother might cause trouble for her again, so he felt uneasy.
“Lu Xiao Ning.”
“Hmm?”
Lu Xiao Ning turned around, puzzled.
“I’ll see you off.”
“Uh, I’m not a three-year-old child. Besides, isn’t Gan Song coming to pick me up? I’ll just sit in the hotel lobby and wait for a while.”
As Lu Xiao Ning spoke, Zong Zheng Ye insisted, saying to her, “Come push the wheelchair. There’s a restaurant on the first floor of the hotel. Go wait there first.”
“Alright.” Hearing there was food, Lu Xiao Ning readily agreed.
She pushed Zong Zheng Ye, familiar with the way, toward the restaurant.
As they entered the restaurant, they immediately drew the attention of the hotel staff.
Among these staff members, some recognized her.
Isn’t that Lu Xiao Ning?
Did she go to work as a caregiver for the Third Prince?
“Take whatever you want to eat.”
“Mm-hmm.”
Lu Xiao Ning nodded and walked toward the buffet area. With one hand, she picked up three plates and filled them with food.
With her other hand, she also took three empty plates, smiling as she said, “Miss, could you please help me fill these three plates? A little bit of everything.”
“You’re Lu Xiao Ning from the cleaning department before, right? You’ve done well for yourself, switching to such a good job. No wonder you resigned from the hotel.”
The staff member helped Lu Xiao Ning get food while smiling.
Lu Xiao Ning was taken aback.
She had switched to a good job?
What job?
How come she didn’t even know about it herself?
Never mind!
In the end, she carried six plates steadily to the dining table.
Watching her juggle the six plates of food as she set them down, Zong Zheng Ye wore an expression of disdain.
Her appetite was no different from that of an ox.
“Third Master, are you hungry? Do you need me to get you something to eat?”
“No need.”
“Alright then, I won’t stand on ceremony!”
Lu Xiao Ning rubbed her hands together eagerly and began to enjoy her feast.
She ate with great relish, her mouth smacking continuously, her expression one of pure delight.
Wasn’t she supposed to have the royal etiquette memorized by heart?
With table manners like these, was she sure she had ever truly absorbed the rules?