Beneath these bold headings were densely packed lines of small text and various interconnected diagrams.
As Lu Chenyuan studied the intricate web of character relationships and crises on the whiteboard, his gaze grew increasingly composed.
The key to breaking the deadlock had become clear.
Externally, he had to act before the Li Family could strike—building his own strength while gathering evidence of their crimes.
Internally, he needed swift, decisive action: reshaping family dynamics and uprooting the source of corporate infighting.
And the starting point for all this was the two tasks he had just set in motion:
First, "investing" in Lu Ruoxi, molding her into his future technological ace.
Second, "reforming" Lu Qianqian, cutting off her potential to become the spark that ignited family conflict.
Just as Lu Chenyuan was deep in thought, a soft knock came at the door.
"Chenyuan, are you still awake?" It was his mother, Lou Mengling's voice.
Lu Chenyuan quickly flipped the whiteboard over, reverting to his usual demeanor before opening the door.
Outside, Lou Mengling stood holding a cup of warm milk, her face lined with worry.
"I couldn’t rest. Your light was still on."
"Qianqian came to me in tears earlier. She said… you might have misunderstood her?"
Taking the milk, Lu Chenyuan replied gently,
"Mom, there’s no misunderstanding. I just think we’ve spoiled her too much. She’s almost an adult now—she needs to learn independence and responsibility. That’s what’s truly best for her."
Lou Mengling sighed.
"That’s true in principle, but she’s never been away from us before…"
"Which is exactly why she needs to step out."
Guiding his mother to sit on the sofa, Lu Chenyuan continued,
"Mom, do you want Qianqian to become a woman you can be proud of—someone with vision and accountability—or just a spoiled child who only knows how to whine for sports cars?"
The question struck a chord.
Lou Mengling, born into an elite family herself, naturally wanted her daughter to be cultured and worldly.
"Of course I do."
"Then trust me on this."
Lu Chenyuan’s gaze was sincere and unwavering.
"I’ll arrange everything carefully and ensure her safety. This is for her future, and for the Lu Family’s future."
Studying her son’s suddenly matured expression, Lou Mengling felt a surge of complex emotions.
Finally, she nodded. "Alright. I believe in you."
Just then, an unwelcome voice cut in from the staircase.
"For the Lu Family’s future? Chenyuan, is this how an elder brother behaves? Taking out your corporate frustrations on your little sister?"
Lu Mingye strode over in his robe, clearly displeased.
He must have heard Lu Qianqian’s complaints and come to confront him.
Lu Chenyuan stood, meeting his father’s gaze calmly.
In the original host’s memories, there had always been a mix of weariness and detachment toward this man.
But now, Lu Chenyuan’s eyes held only scrutiny.
"Father, I’m not taking anything out on her. I’m teaching her."
"Teaching?" Lu Mingye scoffed.
"Freezing her cards and sending her off to some godforsaken place to suffer—that’s your idea of teaching? You’ve lost your mind! If Qianqian wants something, we give it to her. Since when has the Lu Family been short on money?"
"The Lu Family isn’t short on money. It’s short on discipline."
Lu Chenyuan didn’t back down, his quiet voice carrying steel.
"Father, do you really think turning her into a spoiled, clueless brat is doing her any favors?"
"You—!" Lu Mingye’s face flushed red, his pointing finger trembling with rage.
"How dare you speak to me like this!"
"I’m just stating facts." Lu Chenyuan’s gaze shifted briefly to his mother.
"Mom, you should rest. I’ll handle this."
Caught between them, Lou Mengling hesitated but ultimately left with a worried glance after Lu Chenyuan’s reassuring nod.
Alone now, Lu Mingye lowered his voice, lacing it with threat.
"Lu Chenyuan, mark my words—leave Qianqian alone! The company is your domain, but this household isn’t yours to rule!"
A humorless smile touched Lu Chenyuan’s lips.
"Father, do you actually care about Qianqian? Or do you just need a docile 'daughter' to maintain this family’s facade—so you can feel at ease… elsewhere?"
He emphasized the words "daughter" and "at ease."
Lu Mingye’s pupils constricted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.
"What nonsense are you spouting?!"
His reaction confirmed Lu Chenyuan’s suspicions.
This so-called "doting" on Lu Qianqian was just guilt-driven compensation—a distraction.
Lu Mingye loved no one in this family. Only himself.
"Whether it’s nonsense or not, you’d know best." Lu Chenyuan’s smile vanished, replaced by icy calm.
"Qianqian’s education plan is decided and will proceed. If you object, take it up with Grandfather. Goodnight, Father."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked back to his room, ignoring Lu Mingye’s livid expression.
In the study, Lu Mingye trembled with fury but didn’t dare escalate further.
He knew if this reached the old man, his own skeletons might tumble out.
What had gotten into his son today?
That piercing gaze—it chilled him to the bone.
By the window, Lu Chenyuan stared into the heavy night, his mind crystal clear.
Tonight’s clash was just the beginning.
Step by step, he would lance every festering wound beneath this gilded family’s surface—then cleanse it all.
His phone vibrated.
An encrypted email from Lin Yuan.
The subject line read simply: [Anhe, Ye Ruoxi].
Lu Chenyuan’s eyes darkened with intensity.
The board was set.
Now, it was time to claim his most crucial piece.