Lu Lingchuan’s fingers immediately tightened, firmly grasping her hand.
Using his support, she stepped out of the car, her toes lightly touching the ground.
The hem of her white dress fluttered in the wind, swaying gently as it settled.
She walked briskly toward the man.
Her gaze remained fixed on Lu Lingchuan, a faint smile playing on her lips, her eyes sparkling.
Lu Lingchuan wrapped one arm around her waist and effortlessly lifted her onto the motorcycle.
His movements were swift and precise—his left hand steadied her waist while his right hand gave a slight push, lifting her effortlessly.
Lou Qiyun let out a soft gasp and instinctively wrapped her arms around his waist.
In the next moment, she was securely seated on the back of the motorcycle, her arms encircling his torso.
Wu Haifeng stared furiously at the circle of luxury cars around him, seething with rage.
He watched helplessly as she was taken away, powerless to intervene.
He slammed his fist against the steering wheel, gritting his teeth as a low growl escaped his lips.
“Lu Lingchuan, just you wait!”
His fist struck again, causing the horn to blare with a piercing, prolonged sound.
His knuckles instantly turned red, even oozing traces of blood, but he seemed oblivious.
His jaw clenched tightly, his eyes bloodshot, his voice strained from the depths of his throat.
The only response was the roar of an engine fading into the distance.
The motorcycle roared to life, its engine growling like a beast.
They sped through the night.
The rushing night wind tousled Lou Qiyun’s long hair.
The city lights receded rapidly behind them.
She leaned against his back, feeling the warmth of his spine.
After confirming no one was around, Lu Lingchuan brought the motorcycle to a stop.
He had chosen a secluded riverside path.
Tall plane trees lined both sides, their intertwined branches blocking out the moonlight.
He slowly twisted the throttle, bringing the motorcycle to a smooth halt.
Silence enveloped them, broken only by the gentle lapping of the river against the shore.
He chuckled softly, his gaze fixed intently on her.
“Is this what you call cooperation? The moment I leave, you go on a date with another man?”
His tone was cold, but it couldn’t conceal a hint of jealousy.
He hated seeing her in someone else’s car, hated her smiling at another man.
Lou Qiyun looked up, her eyebrows slightly raised, then suddenly leaned in and kissed him.
She offered no explanation, no defense.
Instead, she silenced his doubts in the most direct way.
The distance between them vanished in an instant.
In that moment, there were no schemes, no barriers—only raw, primal attraction.
As their lips met, she gently bit his lower lip.
It wasn’t hard, but it was enough to send a jolt through him.
Her lips were soft and slightly cool, carrying the faint scent of her lipstick.
“So… once more?”
She pulled back half an inch, a mischievous smile curling at the corner of her mouth.
Lu Lingchuan’s eyes darkened. He cupped the back of her neck and kissed her fiercely.
…
Hotel.
An indeterminable amount of time later, Lou Qiyun finally regained her senses.
She lay on the soft white sheets, her breathing still uneven.
Her gaze was dazed, slowly focusing on the ceiling.
When she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was Lu Lingchuan’s intense stare.
He sat by the bed, leaning slightly as he looked down at her.
Seeing his expression, Lou Qiyun understood most of what he was thinking.
She curved her lips into a faint smile but said nothing.
She knew he didn’t trust her, and she knew he wouldn’t let her off easily.
But she didn’t care.
As long as she could stay by his side, as long as she could continue this game, she still had a chance.
Slowly, inch by inch, she pushed herself up, her arms trembling slightly, yet she stubbornly kept her back straight.
“I’ve obtained Wu Haifeng’s information.”
She spoke, her voice calm.
Lu Lingchuan’s brow twitched slightly, his pupils contracted, and a fleeting surprise flashed in his eyes.
But that emotion vanished in an instant.
He quickly regained his usual composure.
“You’re not from the industry, so Wu Haifeng won’t be wary of you. Just plant a virus in the Wu Corporation’s system and have your friend take action—the data will be ours effortlessly.”
His gaze was sharp as a blade, yet carried a scrutinizing warmth.
After a long pause, he murmured softly, “You’re quite clever.”
Lou Qiyun smiled faintly, the curve of her lips perfectly measured.
She lifted her eyes to meet his, a hint of cunning hidden in her gaze.
“But to get this data, you’ll have to cooperate with me and put on a show first.”
“So, save the compliments for later.”
Lu Lingchuan’s eyes darkened.
He didn’t refute or press further, merely watched her in silence.
After concluding their discussion, Lou Qiyun didn’t linger for a second longer, turning to leave immediately.
Lou Family Residence.
The main hall was cold and deserted, not even a servant in sight.
Only the crystal chandelier overhead cast a chilly, pale glow.
Lou Tingwen sat alone on the worn leather sofa, hands folded on his knees.
A news segment was playing an interview clip.
She approached a few steps, her gaze fixed on the television.
The screen showed footage of her and Wu Haifeng being interviewed.
They stood side by side, smiling.
As expected, the parts where she had been uncooperative were completely edited out.
Only the most glamorous and “presentable” moments remained.
Lou Qiyun let out a few cold laughs.
“You plan to maintain appearances with these fake, polished scenes? How ridiculous.”
Lou Tingwen didn’t turn around, but from the familiar footsteps, he could tell who it was.
“The Lou Family’s stock price has risen, attracting quite a few new investors.”
His tone suddenly turned grim.
Before the words faded, he abruptly stood up from the sofa.
His gloomy eyes, sharp as knives, pinned Lou Qiyun in place.
“You’re far too disobedient!”
No sooner had he spoken than he strode closer.
“Kneel!”
Lou Qiyun continued to smile, the curve of her lips deepening even further.
She tilted her head, her gaze unwavering.
“You should be thanking me.”
She continued leisurely, “Even if not for the stock price, you should be pleased for those new investors. After all, they’re all here because of the ‘Lou Family revival’ banner.”
Lou Tingwen’s face turned ashen, a vein throbbing faintly at his temple.
Just as Lou Qiyun struggled to rise after he gripped her arm, she suddenly sneered.
“Is that all the strength you have? Getting old, losing your vigor?”
She slowly raised her middle finger.
Lou Tingwen’s Adam’s apple bobbed, his eyes icy.
“The wedding must be moved up, within the next few days. No more delays.”
“If you dare cause trouble or resist again, I’ll make sure you regret it deeply—consequences you can’t bear!”
Before his words fully faded, he suddenly raised his hand, whipping the belt from his waist with brutal force.
Caught off guard, Lou Qiyun staggered violently, nearly collapsing to the floor.
Gritting her teeth, she quickly reached out to grip the edge of the sofa, her fingers digging into the fabric as she used the leverage to slowly push herself upright.
She stared fixedly at Lou Tingwen’s retreating back.
“Lou Tingwen, I swear, one day I’ll make you regret everything you’ve done today—so bitterly you’ll wish you were dead!”
Lou Tingwen paused mid-step, his lips twisting into a sharp, upward curve.
“I’ll be waiting. Let’s see if you have what it takes.”
With that, he let out a low chuckle.
Then he turned and strode away, slamming the door behind him.
Lou Qiyun didn’t say another word.
As soon as she entered, she immediately locked the door behind her and pulled out her phone from her pocket.
The moment the call connected.
She whispered, “Help me check the surveillance footage from Changping Road, between eight and ten o’clock last night.”
On the other end of the line, Wei Junyi’s heart tightened sharply upon hearing her exhausted voice.