“Still acting so proud? She can even endure this and not come over.” Lu Chen raised his brows with a faint smile. “Keep watching.”
The moment he walked out of the mall, he had already learned from the steward where Gu Xiaoxiao was and knew she was nearby. That was why he didn’t immediately get into the car. Instead, he deliberately waited, pretending to chat with Chen Mengyao.
His purpose was naturally to let Gu Xiaoxiao see for herself that she had been completely abandoned.
Lu Chen originally thought Gu Xiaoxiao wouldn’t be able to hold back and would rush over to question him, but to his surprise, she endured it. As expected of the female lead, her composure was indeed stronger than that of other women.
This made Lu Chen feel a little regretful. He had wanted to personally see the regret and anger on Gu Xiaoxiao’s face. It seemed he would have to wait for another chance.
“Yes, Young Master,” the steward replied respectfully.
“We… aren’t we going to the hospital yet?” Chen Mengyao asked softly, lowering her head. Her cheeks were flushed red, and she stood nervously by the car door, tugging at her clothes with both hands. She was clearly very uneasy.
She couldn’t understand why Lu Chen didn’t get in the car and instead stood here asking her all kinds of questions that seemed to show concern, like her grades, her eating habits, and her hobbies. These things could just as well be said inside the car… why did he have to stand here, under the watchful gazes of passersby?
Having always lived like a transparent person, Chen Mengyao was not used to being the center of attention. She even felt as if, in the crowd, there was a sharp gaze cutting into her like a knife, making her feel both embarrassed and uneasy.
Lu Chen turned to look at her and, seeing her face flushed red, curved his lips into a smile. “What’s wrong, are you nervous?”
Chen Mengyao hurriedly shook her head. “N-no, I just want to go to the hospital sooner.”
“What’s the rush?” Lu Chen cast her a casual glance, then suddenly leaned closer and brushed the stray hairs on her forehead with a gentle touch. “You’ve been rummaging through trash for so long, aren’t you hungry?”
“I… I’m not hungry…” At the mention of rummaging through trash, Chen Mengyao’s face turned even redder. Feeling his cool breath against her skin, her entire body flushed as if she were boiling. She quickly looked away in panic.
“Even if you’re not hungry, your sister in the hospital must be.” Lu Chen spoke indifferently.
The moment he mentioned Chen Xuening, Chen Mengyao’s blushing face stiffened instantly.
“Come on, let’s eat first. We’ll bring some food for your sister and your mother too.” As he spoke, Lu Chen reached out with his slender fingers, gently brushing aside her hair and wrapping it around her neck, revealing her pale, delicate skin. His fingers grazed lightly across it, making Chen Mengyao’s whole body tingle.
Lu Chen really did like her in this state after all…
Ah, Chen Mengyao, what nonsense are you thinking again… She scolded herself silently, but her face only grew redder, her emotions tangled and confused.
Just then, Lu Chen turned and opened the car door for her. “Get in.”
Hearing his gentle voice, Chen Mengyao looked up at him, bit her lip lightly, and obediently sat inside.
The moment she sat down, her hand unconsciously touched the strands of hair still coiled around her neck, and her mind replayed that moment. He had actually fixed her hair… was this what it felt like to be cherished by someone?
Chen Mengyao’s eyes flickered with confusion. She couldn’t guess what Lu Chen was thinking at all. Sometimes he was indifferent, sometimes gentle and caring. Every time he treated her well, he would soon become cold and distant again. This contradiction made her both fearful and expectant.
“What are you thinking?” Lu Chen suddenly asked.
“Huh? N-nothing,” Chen Mengyao quickly withdrew her thoughts, lowering her gaze, not daring to look at him again.
“What do you want to eat later?” he asked again.
“Anything is fine,” she whispered, her head bowed, her voice soft and timid.
Lu Chen cast her a sidelong glance, his tone mocking. “And which cuisine is ‘anything’ supposed to be?”
“I… I mean, anything will do.” Nervously, Chen Mengyao answered, her voice trembling slightly without her noticing.
“Then forget it. Let’s just head back to the hospital.” Lu Chen suddenly changed his mind, his tone cold. This chapter is updated first at g.com.
Startled, Chen Mengyao turned her head sharply toward him, eyes wide.
Lu Chen was also watching her. His deep, dark eyes reflected her shocked face as his lips curled into a faint smile.
Chen Mengyao’s heart trembled. Again… the warmth followed by sudden coldness. His lips seemed to carry a smile, but no trace of it reached his eyes. Instead, there was only chilling indifference.
This side of Lu Chen made her feel inexplicably afraid.
“Ah… oh… alright…” She quickly lowered her head, hiding the panic and fear in her eyes. At this moment, she suddenly understood the phrase ‘serving at the Emperor’s side is like serving a tiger.’ Being near him felt exactly that way—terrifying and uneasy.
“Drive, to the hospital,” Lu Chen ordered faintly.
“Yes, Young Master,” the steward replied.
The car started just as Gu Xiaoxiao turned a corner. She froze where she stood, staring blankly at the Maybach as it sped away.
The truth was, even when she had turned to leave earlier, deep down she had been hoping. Hoping Lu Chen would push that girl aside and chase after her. Hoping he would tell her that nothing had happened between them, that he didn’t like that girl, that the only one he had ever liked was her.
But… he still left.
He really left!
Gu Xiaoxiao bit her lip, her face dim and sorrowful. Could it be that he truly no longer liked her, so much so that he couldn’t even be bothered to glance her way?
Why was it like this? Why didn’t he come after her? Why didn’t he try to stop her? Why…
Gu Xiaoxiao’s lips pressed tighter as her heart grew colder and colder, as if it had been submerged in icy water.
“Xiaoxiao…” Zhao Jiaqi noticed her strangeness, her face full of concern.
Gu Xiaoxiao sniffed lightly, suppressing the mist in her eyes. Forcing calm, she said, “It’s fine, let’s go.”