Compared to the light and cheerful atmosphere surrounding Yan Mingyue, the situation for Lu Beichen was much more agonizing.
The pitch-black room was heavy with the smell of alcohol. A figure curled up beneath the covers, and it was impossible to tell if he was dead or alive.
From the distance of the empty hallway came the steady and unhurried sound of high heels. The rhythmic footsteps eventually stopped in front of the tightly closed door.
Knock, knock, knock.
The sudden knocking made the person on the bed furrow his brows in irritation. He pulled the quilt over his head to muffle the sound, hoping to shut everything out, but the person outside was exceptionally patient.
She curled her fingers and tapped gently on the wooden door again.
Knock, knock, knock.
Knock, knock, knock.
She knocked over and over with tireless persistence, as if she would never leave until the person inside came out.
“Young Lady, here is the key to the Young Master’s room.” Lu Beichen’s butler appeared out of nowhere. His handsome face wore a flawless smile, looking like a clever old fox. He handed the key to Lu Zhaoyang and made a polite gesture to invite her in.
Lu Zhaoyang lightly brushed back her loose hair and smiled at the butler before inserting the key into the lock. As she pushed the door open, she remarked casually, “Lu Yan, it seems you have earned quite a bit of my brother’s trust over the years for him to have given you his key.”
Lu Yan acted as if he did not hear the cold irony in her voice. His smile remained unchanged as he replied, “I am honored by the Young Master’s kindness.”
He lowered his head slightly, and his rimless glasses perfectly concealed the hidden emotions in his eyes.
Lu Zhaoyang let out a soft sneer and said no more.
If Lu Yan truly knew his place, then all would be well. However, if he harbored any inappropriate thoughts like that other person, she would ensure the Lu family showed no mercy.
The room was littered with various alcohol bottles. Red wine, white spirits, and beer were scattered everywhere. The windows were shut tight and the curtains were drawn to block out every sliver of light and fresh air. Standing inside for even a moment was enough to make someone feel faint from the foul odor.
Lu Zhaoyang walked quickly to the French windows and pulled back the curtains, letting in the stinging sunlight. She then pushed the windows open, allowing a cool morning breeze to sweep into the room.
The heap of blankets on the bed moved slightly and then huddled further into the corner.
“Young Master, after drinking so much, your head must hurt. Would you like a bowl of sobriety soup first?” Lu Yan walked to the bedside. His hand, encased in a white glove, rested gently on Lu Beichen’s head with a voice full of concern.
“Get out,” Lu Beichen muttered as he rolled over, instinctively trying to drive them away.
In all her years, this was the first time Lu Zhaoyang had seen Lu Beichen looking so defeated. However, that did not mean she would indulge his behavior.
Being born into a family like theirs meant they rarely had the luxury of seeking true love.
Lu Zhaoyang stepped forward and yanked the quilt away, exposing the haggard Lu Beichen. She grabbed him by the collar and delivered a sharp slap to his face.
Slap!
Lu Yan did not even have time to intervene.
“So what if Gu Yuebai likes someone else?” Lu Zhaoyang scolded him with disappointment. “Who are you showing this pathetic state to? Besides, you have known for a long time that he is not gay. You two will never be possible in this lifetime!”
Every word she spoke stabbed at Lu Beichen’s heart, but she knew that only such harshness would be effective.
Lu Beichen had kept his head turned away, but he finally reacted when he heard that they would never be possible. He snapped his head around, his bloodshot eyes staring directly at Lu Zhaoyang with an expression that looked as if he might shatter at any moment.
He was the younger brother she had doted on for years, and she did not want to hurt him further. But remembering what their father had said at the old mansion, she sighed and continued, “Father and Uncle Gu discussed some matters at home this morning regarding Gu Yuebai.”
Whenever he heard anything related to Gu Yuebai, Lu Beichen would struggle to get up even if he were on the verge of death.
He forced himself to sit up and asked, “What matters?”
Looking at him, Lu Zhaoyang’s expression became extremely complex. Ultimately, she closed her eyes to hide her frustration. “A marriage. A marriage between Gu Yuebai and me.”
“What?” Lu Beichen’s face was filled with disbelief. As he studied his sister’s face, he realized she was not joking and was telling the truth.
“But,” Lu Beichen stammered as he grabbed her hand, “Sister! You and Yuebai barely know each other! You do not love him! And Yuebai has someone he likes. Does he know? Did he agree? We cannot do this.”
Lu Zhaoyang stood up and pulled her hand away. She looked down at him with a face numbed by reality.
She said, “It does not matter if I like him, and it does not matter if Gu Yuebai agrees. This was decided by the elders of both families. I do not have the power to refuse. If I could, I would not want this either.”
With that, she turned and left. Her white dress fluttered like a moth flying toward a flame.
“Sister!”
Lu Beichen scrambled out of bed to chase after her, but because he had been lying down for so long, he stumbled. Fortunately, the quick-thinking Lu Yan caught him in his arms.