The Lu family.
Lu Qinian returned home, and Madam Shen Qiuyi, seeing he was alone, asked, “Where’s Lin Chen? Didn’t we tell you to pick him up?”
Lu Qinian replied irritably, “He refused to come back. He’s very temperamental and even scolded me.”
His father had originally sent his eldest brother, Lu Zhibai since Lu Zhibai was the one who slapped Lin Chen but Lu Zhibai refused so he sent Lu Qinian instead.
The two Lu brothers, the eldest cold and aloof, holding the inheritance rights to the family business, and the younger shrewd and now a renowned lawyer, were both proud men, unwilling to lower themselves.
The only person they were willing to humble themselves to appease was Lu Wuyou, the Lu family’s adopted son.
Shen Qiuyi frowned deeply, “This child, how can he be so insensible?”
The family had already humbled themselves; what more did he want?
Lu Qinian, recalling the resolute look in Lin Chen’s eyes, felt a little uncomfortable: “Mom, I suspect he’s not just throwing a tantrum but genuinely wants to sever ties with the Lu family.”
“Impossible,” Shen Qiuyi instinctively denied, then explained, “Without the Lu family, he’s just a commoner. How could he possibly give up his Lu family identity?”
There’s an insurmountable gap in social status between commoners and nobles; no one with a brain would abandon their noble status to become a commoner.
“He’s just putting on airs now. I’ll give him a call later; he’ll definitely come back.”
It’s unclear whether this was said to Lu Qinian or to himself.
Lu Qinian: “That’s true.”
Lin Chen was the most obedient child to his mother in the Lu family, and a dutiful son but unfortunately, he couldn’t tolerate his younger brother, Lu Wuyou, and always angered them.
“Mom, Second Brother, you’re back?” Lu Wuyou rubbed his eyes as he came downstairs. Seeing Lu Qinian, he ran over and hugged him tightly around the waist. “Wuyou missed you so much! Did you miss me?”
Lu Qinian affectionately kissed Lu Wuyou’s forehead. “You’re not feeling well, why did you run so fast?”
Lu Wuyou pouted. “I’m so happy to see you.”
Shen Qiuyi said sourly, “Don’t you see Mom when you see your brother?”
“No, I don’t!” Lu Wuyou immediately let go of Lu Qinian and snuggled into Shen Qiuyi’s arms. “I missed Mom too… By the way, didn’t Second Brother go to pick up Third Brother?”
Lu Qinian, annoyed, frowned. “Don’t mention him. He’s so immature.”
The contrast between the two younger brothers was stark.
Lu Wuyou’s eyes flickered. “What’s wrong? Third Brother won’t come back? But you already went to invite him…”
Shen Qiuyi patted Lu Wuyou’s hair. “You’re just too kind. You keep calling him ‘Third Brother,’ but Lin Chen doesn’t treat you like a brother at all. He can’t even tolerate you before his identity is revealed; what will happen if it is?”
Luckily, they had been careful, otherwise Lu Wuyou would have been bullied even more.
“But, what happened last time was really my fault,” Lu Wuyou bit his lip, tugging at Lu Qinian’s sleeve. “Second Brother, why don’t you go again, or I’ll go myself? As long as Third Brother is willing to come back, I don’t mind.”
Shen Qiuyi and Lu Qinian said in unison, “There’s no need for you to go. No need to apologize to him.”
Last time was last time, but in the past year, Lin Chen had bullied Lu Wuyou quite a bit. They had cherished their precious child for fifteen years, and they themselves had never spoken harshly to him. Why couldn’t Lin Chen tolerate this younger brother?
Lu Wuyou remained silent, and nestled in the Countess’s arms with a faint smile on his face.
This was his home of fifteen years; his parents and brother were his, and the identity of the Earl’s son was his too. Lin Chen wouldn’t take anything that belonged to him.
This interruption prevented Shen Qiuyi from remembering to call Lin Chen the next morning. After all, he was her own son; even if his character was terrible, she couldn’t truly sever ties.
She felt that giving Lin Chen a way out would make him obediently return.
Lin Chen saw the caller ID. He was on his way to pick up an order, and the contact name ‘Madam Shen’ confused him, so he answered.
“Hello.”
Shen Qiuyi: “Lin Chen, your second brother picked you up yesterday, why didn’t you come back with him?”
“Who are you?” Lin Chen’s mind was preoccupied with the order; he genuinely didn’t bother to guess.
Shen Qiuyi paused, suspecting the other party was doing it on purpose: “Who am I? I’m your mother.”
Lin Chen said, “Oh, so it’s the Madam. What can I do for you?”
Shen Qiuyi was displeased: “Do you have to talk like that?” This son is too much trouble.
“So, what is it?”
The original owner hadn’t blocked this number, probably because he still had some hope for his birth mother but Lin Chen wasn’t the original owner and had no obligation to show her any mercy.
“If you’re here to question me, forget it. What right do you have to question me now? Just because you’re the noble Lu family? Sorry, I haven’t changed my surname, nor am I registered in your household. You have no right to interfere.”
Shen Qiuyi held back her anger, and tried to be as gentle as possible: “Chenchen, don’t be like a hedgehog. Just tell us what you want, and we’ll try our best to agree to it.”
Lin Chen: “Make Lu Wuyou and Lu Zhibai apologize to me…”
“That’s impossible.”
Lin Chen hadn’t finished saying the second half of his sentence, ‘revealing his identity,’ but since he’d been interrupted, he didn’t want to waste his breath. He simply hung up, then blocked and deleted her—a one-step process.
Shen Qiuyi blurted out, and wanted to salvage the situation but the other end had already hung up. She was both angry and guilty, and quickly called back, only to find that Lin Chen had blocked her.
“Mom, are you calling Third Brother?” Lu Wuyou leaned closer.
Looking at her obedient and considerate youngest son, Shen Qiuyi couldn’t bear to let him apologize to Lin Chen, let alone include Lu Zhibai, who was the heir to their Earl’s mansion.
“He actually wants you and your eldest brother to apologize but don’t worry, Mom won’t wrong you.”
Lu Wuyou was pleased to hear this: “But… what if Third Brother refuses to come back? This is a task Father gave you, what if Father blames you…”
It was a bit troublesome. Shen Qiuyi rubbed her throbbing temples, increasingly feeling that Lin Chen was being unreasonable: “He wanted an internship before, and I asked your eldest brother to arrange one for him.”
Lu Wuyou’s gaze darkened slightly. No, how could he let Lin Chen join the family business? He advised, “Mom, giving him a job is not as good as giving him money directly. Third Brother has been back for so long, and you haven’t given him much money. Maybe he’s resentful and that’s why he doesn’t want to come back.”
Shen Qiuyi then remembered that she hadn’t really given Lin Chen much money because every time she asked, he said he had, and was probably because he was proud.
Shen Qiuyi felt a pang of guilt and instinctively retorted, “He didn’t want it himself, it’s not that I wouldn’t give it to him.”
Following Lu Wuyou’s advice, Shen Qiuyi changed her number and sent Lin Chen a list of cash and real estate: “Chenchen, I was wrong before, I neglected you. I’m giving you all this, please come back?”
Lin Chen received the message and immediately blocked and deleted her again.
Late-blooming affection is worthless; why didn’t they do it sooner?
Besides, Lin Chen didn’t believe they were sincere; he didn’t think he’d have a good ending if he went back.
Shen Qiuyi, waiting for a reply, called directly, only to find she’d been blocked again. Furious, she gritted her teeth, “Fine, he’s great! He doesn’t even respect me anymore, truly ill-mannered!”
Lu Wuyou patted Shen Qiuyi’s back, “Mom, calm down. What do we do now?”
How could Shen Qiuyi know what to do? Lin Chen was impervious to reason, and she was at a loss.
“You unfilial son!”
Lin Chen used to be the most obedient to her at home. She thought that even though this son had been raised outside for fifteen years and wasn’t outstanding in any aspect, he was at least filial and obedient.
But she hadn’t expected that obedience was a facade; his true nature was narrow-mindedness and pettiness.
Meanwhile, Lin Chen arrived at the address given by the client. It was an extremely large manor, and its area difficult to estimate.
Lin Chen gasped. What kind of wealthy family was this?
Did their companion beast even need servants?
Oh no, did their companion beast, roaming in such a vast world, still need to wander in the wild?
“Just strolling around its own backyard is enough.”
Lin Chen arrived at the gatehouse: “Hello, my name is Lin Chen. I have an appointment for an interview with your family this morning.”
The gatekeeper, clearly instructed beforehand, checked his identification and led him inside to wait in a side hall.
A short while later, a well-dressed, professional man entered: “Are you Mr. Lin Chen?”
Lin Chen stood up: “Yes.”
Man Di sized up the young man named Lin Chen. He was clean-cut and handsome with fair skin and bright, honest eyes. He was also a student at Tyron University.
Man Di nodded secretly, and had a good impression of Lin Chen.
“I’m the person who contacted you last night. My name is Man Di, and I’m Mr. Si Ang’s assistant.”
Lin Chen gave a professional smile: “Hello, Mr. Man Di.”
Man Di’s positive impression of him increased even more after seeing his composed demeanor upon hearing Si Ang’s name.
“Before I take you to see the master, I have a few questions for you.”
“Please ask.”
“What is your relationship with Count Lu En?”
Man Di had investigated Lin Chen thoroughly last night and discovered that Lin Chen was indeed a student with a very ordinary background. The only unusual thing was his connection with Count Lu En.
Lin Chen was taken aback and honestly replied, “Count Lu En and I are father and son by blood but legally we are not related.”
Man Di was satisfied that Lin Chen hadn’t hidden anything. As for the Count Lu En family’s affairs, he didn’t elaborate: “Let’s go, I’ll take you to see Mr. Si Ang and Parker.”
Lin Chen followed: “Excuse me, is Parker the name of that lion?”
Man Di frowned, feeling that this person was asking a question he already knew the answer to: “Yes, I thought everyone in the world knew that Mr. Si Ang’s companion beast was named Parker.”
What?
Lin Chen thought for a moment before realizing what was happening: “Oh, it’s Mr. Si Ang. Sorry, I didn’t realize it just now.”
He remained outwardly calm, but inwardly he gasped.
My God, he’d actually received an order from Si Ang.
Lin Chen clenched his fists.
Who was Si Ang?
Almost everyone in the world knew him; he was the first in line to the Si family throne.
The Si family was the wealthiest family in the world, formerly a renowned royal merchant family. Now, with the decline of royalty and the transition from monarchy to democracy, the Si family remained as powerful and prosperous as ever.
Even though the Si family didn’t have noble titles, no one considered them anything less than noble.
It was rumored that long ago, the royal family had actually bestowed noble titles upon the Si family, but they had refused.
The Si family seemed to dislike nobility and disdained associating with them, naturally scoffing at noble titles.
Man Di glanced sideways, and felt this young man was somewhat dim-witted.
…A wave of regret washed over him again.
If the situation hadn’t been so dire, Man Di wouldn’t have so readily trusted a stranger online to help his master.
“Mr. Lin Chen, be careful later. Mr. Si Ang and Parker haven’t been in a good mood lately.”
Lin Chen smiled: “Okay, thank you for the reminder, Mr. Man Di.”
His performance just now seemed a bit off, but he was also innocent; who could have imagined…?
Lin Chen was led by Man Di to a spacious and stylish office. Everywhere he looked, there were artworks he didn’t understand, and innovatively designed furniture—in short, trendy.
Behind the large desk sat a young man in his early twenties with striking features. He was handsome and extraordinary, exuding an arrogant and carefree air.
Such an outstanding person must be Mr. Si Ang.
In the original owner’s memories, he had heard that Mr. Si Ang had a notoriously fiery temper and in short was very difficult to please.
Lin Chen was both happy and worried upon learning that his employer was Si Ang. He was happy that his employer was very rich, but worried that if he didn’t serve him well, his employer would tear him apart.
The room was warm. Si Ang, wearing a shirt with a few buttons casually undone, leaned back, frowning in thought.
A burly, golden lion lay listlessly dozing at his feet.
Hearing someone enter, it impatiently twitched its ears.
Man Di: “Sir, Mr. Lin Chen has arrived.”
Si Ang raised an eyebrow and glanced casually at Lin Chen: “You’re Lin Chen, the companion beast walker who can soothe others?”
Lin Chen bowed to his boss and smiled: “Yes, Mr. Si Ang.” He had boasted about it in the post.
Si Ang said calmly: “Very good. I hope you’re not lying to me.”
Lin Chen’s heart skipped a beat, thinking, “As expected of someone in a position of power, his aura is undeniable.”
“Mr. Si, rest assured, I’m not lying.”
He does indeed possess special abilities but whether they’ll work on companion beasts is another matter.
“Then give it a try.”
The Si family has been in turmoil lately, and Si Ang has been busy fighting those people, leaving him no time to take his companion beast out for some fresh air.
This has led to Parker’s lethargy, poor appetite, and insomnia. Si Ang was very worried. He heard from Man Di that someone claimed to be able to soothe other people’s companion beasts. He didn’t believe it, but still decided to give it a try.
Si Ang’s mind raced, and Parker, the lion resting at his feet, immediately rose, walked lazily around the desk, and approached Man Di and Lin Chen.
“…” Parker surveyed the two humans with an air of majesty, then, perhaps intentionally, suddenly opened its jaws and let out a large yawn.
Upon first seeing the enormous lion, Lin Chen’s heart skipped a beat. What a massive male lion! It was a size larger than any he had ever seen on Earth. No wonder companion beasts were said to be able to fight on the battlefield; this size alone could easily take on ten at once.
Besides its size, it was also handsome with well-developed muscles, glossy fur, and a magnificent mane that made it look imposing. It was clearly well-cared for.
Lin Chen liked it very much.
As Si Ang’s assistant, Man Di should have been used to Parker, but when this ferocious beast stood before him, baring its fangs, he still instinctively tensed up.
“Good morning, Parker.”
Lin Chen smiled broadly, and showed no nervousness whatsoever. It was as easy and natural as when he used to flirt with lions and tigers at the zoo.
The lion’s eyes were cold and indifferent. It fixed on Lin Chen, just as it had always looked at every stranger except Si Ang. Since their bond, its world consisted only of its master; it no longer knew anyone else.
Moreover, lions weren’t easily tamed beasts.
Man Di was somewhat disappointed; he knew it wouldn’t be that easy, but he still held onto a sliver of hope.
“Mr. Lin Chen, Parker looks at you the same way he looks at me, or perhaps you haven’t even begun to unleash your abilities yet?”
Lin Chen remained calm: “No rush. It’s sizing me up. Please wait patiently.”
Man Di was about to say something when suddenly the lion took a step forward, startling him.
Lin Chen, on the other hand, remained unmoved. He simply looked at the lion with gentle and friendly eyes, encouraging it.
Finally, the lion sniffed, its gaze shifting from icy to puzzled. It seemed it had never seen anyone like Lin Chen before, finding him pleasant and comforting.
Lin Chen smiled and lowered himself. He kneeled on one knee before the lion, and extended his palm.
Excellent. Even its companion beast couldn’t escape the clutches of this druid of the world.
Parker sniffed Lin Chen’s fingers, seemingly quite fond of the young man before him. He even curled his tongue as if wanting to lick the young man’s fingertips.
Next to him, Man Di stared at this scene as if he’d seen a ghost… How could this be?
“This…”
He couldn’t believe it. What kind of magic had Lin Chen used?!
Si Ang, who had been watching his companion beast’s movements closely, finally became serious upon seeing this, and raised an eyebrow slightly.
He wanted to know why Parker had accepted Lin Chen. It was simple; he only needed to communicate with his companion beast.
Then, he would know exactly what methods Lin Chen had used to capture Parker.
Normally, Si Ang rarely synesthetically connected with Parker.
The last time they synesthetically connected, Parker was feeling very down; it missed nature, the forest, running, and hunting.
Si Ang thought this time would be the same but when Si Ang connected with Parker, it immediately felt a sense of lightness.
Last night, he had worked all night, his nerves were taut, and now it felt like a thousand invisible hands were gently stroking those taut, stinging nerves. It was a feeling of indescribable comfort.
Incredible. Si Ang closed his eyes, and his fingers involuntarily gripped the armrest of the chair.
Following Parker, ‘he’ smelled a very pleasant fresh and natural scent. It was a scent he wanted to smell again and again, even making him want to snore?
‘He’ gently rubbed his nose against the young man’s palm, leaving his cheek pheromones on the other’s hand, then used his rough tongue to entwine the other’s fingertips…
‘Parker, no.’ At the critical moment, Si Ang regained his senses and stopped his companion beast from licking Lin Chen’s fingers…