For the very first time, Lu Jiu returned to the Lu household with a feeling that was indescribably complicated, like countless emotions tangled tightly together in his chest.
The moment he stepped through the door, he paused. A rare sight greeted him. The Lu family and the Bai family were seated across from one another in the living room, facing each other in two neat rows of sofas, like two solemn delegations in silent confrontation.
The Lu family members looked stiff and uneasy, as if they were sitting on needles, while the Bai parents appeared warm, polite, and perfectly composed, radiating a calm and refined air that only deep confidence could bring.
Seated furthest on the outside corner of the sofa was a man.
He wore a soft white sweater that clung lightly to his frame, casual yet elegant. His long legs crossed with a careless grace, and his black hair fell naturally across his forehead. His gaze was lowered as if he were lost in thought, giving off a lazy air that somehow made him even more striking.
The moment the front door opened, the quiet room stirred, and six pairs of eyes turned toward Lu Jiu at once.
In that instant, Lu Jiu felt as though he were an ancient general returning from war and suddenly finding himself surrounded, pierced by blazing gazes like an unending storm of arrows.
No.111, the system that was perpetually excited, shouted in his mind. “Host, do not panic. Forward march! Charge bravely!”
“Jiu Jiu!” Bai Mother stood first with a warm, radiant smile and greeted him as though she were welcoming her future son.
Immediately, Lu Mingyang shot upright from the sofa. Yang Yu, caught by surprise, scrambled up and Lu Quning also jumped to his feet like a startled cat pretending to be dignified.
In an instant, the atmosphere thickened with tension and unspoken weight.
Lu Jiu blinked slowly. “Hello, Uncle, Aunt.”
His voice was slightly hoarse, and he cast a discreet glance at the handsome man still seated easily with that lazy, almost teasing smile. His gaze swept across Bai Yun’s face, filled with disbelief.
Two rounds of beating, they said?
This face looked so smooth and flawless it could appear in a skincare advertisement. His skin looked as though soft light had been brushed across it. So the rumors had truly been exaggerated nonsense.
Lu Jiu pressed his lips together.
“Ahem, come sit over here.” Lu Mingyang cleared his throat with immense effort and tried to act casual, though his voice trembled faintly. He gestured stiffly toward the empty seat.
Lu Jiu moved calmly and sat down on the only available spot beside Lu Quning, facing Bai Yun directly.
He pressed his lips together again and waited until the elders resumed their polite small talk. Then he discreetly angled his phone toward Bai Yun.
He had already messaged him earlier asking what exactly was happening, but Bai Yun had given no response at all.
Bai Yun clearly noticed the small motion. The corner of his lips curved upward in silent amusement. Instead of answering, he looked away as if none of it concerned him. His expression was calm, almost indifferent.
Lu Jiu frowned slightly. “?”
Purposefully ignoring him? How childish.
The sudden visit from the Bai family had thrown everyone into chaos.
Even Yang Yu, the mother of the Lu family, looked bewildered. She had tugged discreetly at her husband’s sleeve several times, but Lu Mingyang had been lost in thought, hardly noticing anything around him.
Yang Yu could only guess wildly on her own.
Why had the Bai family come suddenly and with such seriousness?
She recalled the wealthy ladies who had visited after the National Day holidays, asking about Bai Yun with sparkling curiosity, and she thought of her own promising son. A faint layer of sweat dampened her palms.
Could it be that the Bai family was here for Quning?
But even if they liked her son, why would they arrive with the entire family in tow, grand and formal as though announcing something monumental?
She felt utterly bewildered.
Lu Quning was no better. He sat nearly frozen, his thoughts spinning desperately. For an hour before Lu Jiu arrived, he had pieced through rumors and whispers he had heard among his social circle.
Recently, the younger elite of the city had been unusually animated. Every clue, every subtle hint pointed toward the Bai family. Something significant had clearly happened.
Yet ever since the holiday ended, his circle had deliberately excluded him from the gossip. Every time he tried to pry, they laughed it off or changed the subject.
It made him furious and miserable.
Now, looking at the smiling Bai parents and the quiet Bai Yun, it was obvious they were not here for business.
It must involve the younger generation.
Could it be that Bai Yun and…
Lu Quning’s gaze drifted slowly toward Lu Jiu, who sat silently and obediently beside him.
Impossible. Absolutely impossible. There was no way this was about Lu Jiu.
The fact that the family had summoned him back home must mean it was a serious family matter requiring everyone present.
So it must be about him instead.
He swallowed and straightened, trying to appear calm even though he felt as though he had wandered into an exam he had never studied for.
What connection could he possibly have with Bai Yun?
Bai Mother’s gentle yet steady voice filled the room. “Now that Jiu Jiu is here, I will speak frankly.”
Lu Mingyang jolted, his heart pounding wildly.
Bai Mother continued, “I believe, President Lu, that you already understand the reason for our visit. We must apologize for the matter that occurred.”
“Oh no, please, please, that is unnecessary!” Lu Mingyang waved his hands in panic, wiping sweat from his forehead. He looked like a man who had been living inside a nightmare for twenty four hours.
He had been contacted by the Bai family the night before. The shock had been so great that he had forgotten to tell his wife and Lu Quning anything. He had hurriedly called Lu Jiu home at the last possible moment.
After receiving the news, he had frantically called friends to confirm it, and everything he learned had kept him awake and shaking until dawn.
He knew Bai Yun had taken a liking to Lu Jiu, but he had never expected something like this.
Now, he forced an awkward laugh. “Bai Yun taking a fancy to this boy, it is his great blessing and fortune.”
As soon as those words escaped him, Yang Yu and Lu Quning both whipped their heads toward him.
Taken a fancy to? What kind of fancy? Fancy as a student mentor? A business investment?
Why could he not speak clearly?
Lu Jiu lowered his gaze, feeling his eyelid twitch violently.
“No, do not say that,” Bai Mother gently scolded, her tone calm yet firm, not embarrassed at all to chastise her son in front of others. “You are giving him too much credit. With how unruly Bai Yun is, anyone who becomes involved with him is the unlucky one.”
Lu Jiu leaned his chin on his hand and glanced over again.
Bai Yun looked up slowly, a faint smile touching his lips, as if saying silently, I know you are applauding my mother in your heart.
Lu Jiu immediately looked away, his face neutral.
Bai Mother’s tone shifted slightly. “We have already spoken to this child. Since the two children take each other seriously, we as elders must treat this matter with seriousness as well.”
Lu Jiu was speechless.
The two children? Serious about each other? Who had the audacity to say something that bold and shameless?
Lu Quning’s brows furrowed. He seemed to be hearing another language entirely. Then Bai Mother took out a delicate red jewelry box from her bag.
His brain blanked.
A gift. For him?
But he was a man. Why was she giving him jewelry?
He stared numbly.
Yang Yu also stared, her heart quickening. There was no brand logo, but that only made it seem even more luxurious. The Bai family did not need logos to prove value.
Their sincerity was overwhelming. Could it be for her? But she still did not understand what the Bai family was here for.
Bai Mother stood and smiled warmly. “Jiu Jiu, come here.”
Lu Jiu stiffened as though struck by lightning.
He did not expect her to produce that so suddenly.
His heart pounded heavily, and he felt frozen.
Seeing his hesitation, Bai Mother softened her voice. “This gift is for you.”
Before she could finish saying his name, two people stood abruptly and reached out simultaneously.
She blinked. “?”
Yang Yu froze. “?”
Lu Quning’s expression mirrored shock. “?”
Lu Mingyang’s jaw dropped. “What are you doing?”
Yang Yu realized she had reached toward Lu Quning, panicked, and withdrew her hand quickly, patting her son’s shoulder. “It is for you.”
Lu Mingyang nearly fainted. “For him? Absolutely not. What are you both doing?”
Lu Quning looked equally confused. “Father?”
“It is a gift,” he muttered helplessly.
“Silence, both of you!” Lu Mingyang exploded. “Go to the kitchen and cut fruit. Immediately.”
Yang Yu blinked. “Why are you ordering us around right now?”
Only then did Lu Quning sense something horribly wrong.
He turned to Bai Mother, then to Bai Father, and finally to Bai Yun. The realization slowly dawned, but before he could speak, Lu Mingyang grabbed both him and his wife and dragged them away.
“Stop staring and move. Do not interfere with your brother and Madam Bai!”
Yang Yu felt struck by lightning.
Lu Jiu? It was about Lu Jiu?
Had she heard correctly? The Bai family was here for Lu Jiu?
Lu Quning stared blankly, stunned speechless.
Lu Mingyang slammed the kitchen door, and Yang Yu finally burst out, voice shrill, “Explain yourself! Why did you not tell me anything? That brat Lu Jiu!? ”
Lu Mingyang clamped a hand over her mouth and hissed, “Was it not obvious? Did they look at you even once? How could you not see it? That gift was never for you!”
“Father…” Lu Quning croaked. “What is happening?”
“What is happening?” Lu Mingyang nearly tore his hair out. “Do you not have friends? Has no one told you what is happening with the Bai family? How could you miss everything happening right under your nose?”
Lu Quning felt slapped. “I do not know anything!”
“You do not? Truly?”
“I only know about him and Ding Jiaye.. ”
“Ding Jiaye again? Are you in love with that Ding Jiaye?” Lu Mingyang shouted. “Is that why you have been so obsessed?!”
“???” Lu Quning stared in horror. “Father!”
Lu Mingyang slapped a hand over his son’s mouth too.
Yang Yu and Lu Quning stared with muffled screams while Lu Mingyang questioned every life decision he had ever made.
Damn it. Lu Jiu liked men. And this son too? What else could explain his obsession with Ding Jiaye? Bai Yun had kissed Lu Jiu in public, and this fool only noticed Ding Jiaye?
It was clearly jealous rage. It all made sense. His expression twisted in despair.
Realizing the suspicion in his father’s eyes, Lu Quning nearly fainted. He did not like Ding Jiaye. Absolutely not!
From the living room came the sound of footsteps retreating, and eventually the chaos faded.
Mrs. Bai composed herself gracefully and tucked hair behind her ear, then turned back to Lu Jiu as though nothing absurd had just happened.
“Jiu Jiu, would you accept this gift?”
Lu Jiu had not moved an inch the entire time. Despite the chaos, he sat quietly.
Bai Yun was still watching him.
Mr. Bai rose and smiled politely. “Jiu Jiu must still be confused. Let the two young people talk.”
Mrs. Bai handed the gift to her son and whispered, “Speak properly.”
Then the two elders withdrew to another room.
Silence settled like dust.
Lu Jiu finally spoke. “What is the meaning of this? Why is your mother giving me a gift?”
“She believes her son has committed a sin,” Bai Yun replied casually, “and she wishes to atone.”
“…What sin?”
Bai Yun lifted his hand and counted lazily. “First, an older bull eating tender grass. Touching a younger brother he watched grow up. Second, taking advantage of someone still in college who is kind, innocent, and easily deceived.”
Lu Jiu stared. “…”
“And third,” Bai Yun continued leisurely, “finishing the job so quickly.”
He did not finish before a pillow smacked him directly in the face.
Lu Jiu glared. “You really have the nerve to say that?”
Bai Yun only smiled without shame.
“Take the gift back,” Lu Jiu muttered, looking away. “Tell your mother she is too generous. I do not need responsibility from you.”
Bai Yun lowered his gaze, turning the box slowly in his hand.
“You do not have to take that night seriously,” Lu Jiu continued. “I spoke impulsively.”
“There is another crime,” Bai Yun said suddenly. “Apparently I angered you.”
Lu Jiu tensed.
“You guard yourself against me,” Bai Yun said softly. “You refuse to say what upsets you, what frightens you. You say it was all a game so that I will keep my distance.”
He met Lu Jiu’s eyes gently.
“But, Jiu Jiu, that does not apply to us. You never treat love casually. Two months have passed, and you never once admitted we were dating. That alone tells me you take emotions seriously.”
His voice was steady and sincere.
“And, fortunately, I do as well.”
Lu Jiu’s throat tightened.
“So,” Bai Yun murmured, “I came to tell you I am serious.”
Lu Jiu felt the words strike like a missile against the door of his heart.
“To know whether we are suitable, we need to try,” Bai Yun continued.
“Three official dates.” He smiled. “What do you say?”
Silence filled the room again.
Lu Jiu exhaled, straightened slightly, and asked quietly, “And if I say no?”
Bai Yun stood and approached slowly, each step gentle yet deliberate. He stopped in front of him and bent, voice close to his ear.
“Then within one month, I will make Lu Mingyang wealthy.”
Lu Jiu stared blankly. Internally he almost cursed. What kind of ridiculous threat was that supposed to be?
Then something touched the base of his neck.
A jade pendant, serene and pure, Guanyin carved with gentle lines. Bai Yun placed it lightly against his chest, warmth spreading through the fabric into his skin.
He had not expected this gift.
Bai Yun looked up at him. “Mother spent four days choosing this. Please accept it.”
“Did she start looking after learning you liked men?”
“She found out the day after I told her. So she heard about you one day late.”
“So this jade Guanyin is for you.”
Lu Jiu said nothing.
“I do not believe in such things,” Bai Yun murmured, “but if this can bring you peace, then I hope whatever you hide does not hurt you.”
The words hit deep.
Lu Jiu swallowed. “Stop using tenderness.”
“Would it work?”
“Never.”
Bai Yun looked at him, gray eyes gentle.
Lu Jiu’s heart felt wrapped, held by something delicate yet firm.
Finally, his voice came hoarse. “Next time, use a different threat. That one was disgusting.”
“Very well,” Bai Yun replied softly. “Next time, if you refuse, I will jump into the sea.”
“That is childish.”
“Most threats are.”
“You even know that?”
“I do. But I still have to try. Because right now, you are smiling.”
Lu Jiu glared faintly before his expression softened. He lifted a hand and touched Bai Yun’s forehead gently.
Up close he noticed a faint red mark beneath makeup.
“So you really did get hit?” he muttered.
Bai Yun hissed softly.
“It looks fake,” Lu Jiu said, though his touch became gentle. “Why hide it?”
“I did not want to arrive bruised,” Bai Yun said. “You might stop liking me.”
Lu Jiu froze slightly.
Bai Yun caught his wrist, turned, and kissed the inside gently.
“Jiu Jiu,” he whispered, “give us a chance.”
✦ ✧ ✦
Cressilia
[Translator]
☕ A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE TRANSLATOR
One tiny coffee. One very happy translator. ✦
☕ BUY THEM A COFFEE →
✧ (づ｡•ㅅ•｡)づ ☕ ✧
✦ thank you for reading ✦
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ChaptersChapter 1 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (1)Chapter 2 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (2)Chapter 3 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (3)Chapter 4 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (4)Chapter 5 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (5)Chapter 6 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (6)Chapter 7 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (7)Chapter 8 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (8)Chapter 9 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (9)Chapter 10 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (10)Chapter 11 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (11)Chapter 12 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (12)Chapter 13 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (13)Chapter 14 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s room (14)Chapter 15 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (15)Chapter 16 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (16)Chapter 17 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (17)Chapter 18 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (18)Chapter 19 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (19)Chapter 20 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (20)Chapter 21 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (21)Chapter 22 Part 1 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (22)Chapter 22 Part 2 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (22)Chapter 23 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (23)Chapter 24 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (24)Chapter 25 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (25)Chapter 26 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (26)Chapter 27 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (27)Chapter 28 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (28)Chapter 29 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (29)Chapter 30 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (30)Chapter 31 Part 1 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (31)Chapter 31 Part 2 · After Breaking into the Big Boss’s Room (31)Chapter 32 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (1)Chapter 33 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (2)Chapter 34 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (3)Chapter 35 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (4)Chapter 36 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (5)Chapter 37 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (6)Chapter 38 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (7)Chapter 39 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (8)Chapter 40 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (9)Chapter 41 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (10)Chapter 42 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (11)Chapter 43 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (12)Chapter 44 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (13)Chapter 45 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (14)Chapter 46 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (15)Chapter 47 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (16)Chapter 48 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (17)Chapter 49 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (18)Chapter 50 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (19)Chapter 51 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (20)Chapter 52 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (21)Chapter 53 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (22)Chapter 54 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (23)Chapter 55 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (24)Chapter 56 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (25)Chapter 57 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (26)Chapter 58 · The Empire’s Number One Beta Crown Prince (27)Chapter 59 · Hatching Baby Zombies (1)Chapter 60 · Hatching Baby Zombies (2)Chapter 61 · Hatching Baby Zombies (3)Chapter 62 · Hatching Baby Zombies (4)Chapter 63 · Hatching Baby Zombies (5)Chapter 64 · Hatching Baby Zombies (6)Chapter 65 · Hatching Baby Zombies (7)Chapter 66 · Hatching Baby Zombies (8)Chapter 67 · Hatching Baby Zombies (9)Chapter 68 · Hatching Baby Zombies (10)Chapter 69 · Hatching Baby Zombies (11)Chapter 70 · Hatching Baby Zombies (12)Chapter 71 · Hatching Baby Zombies (13)Chapter 72 · Hatching Baby Zombies (14)Chapter 73 · Hatching Baby Zombies (15)Chapter 74 · Hatching Baby Zombies (16)Chapter 75 · Hatching Baby Zombies (17)Chapter 76 · Hatching Baby Zombies (18)Chapter 77 · Hatching Baby Zombies (19)Chapter 78 · Hatching Baby Zombies (20)Chapter 79 · The Mermaid on the Shore (1)Chapter 80 · The Mermaid on the Shore (2)Chapter 81 · The Mermaid on the Shore (3)Chapter 82 · The Mermaid on the Shore (4)Chapter 83 · The Mermaid on the Shore (5)Chapter 84 · The Mermaid on the Shore (6)Chapter 85 · The Mermaid on the Shore (7)Chapter 86 · The Mermaid on the Shore (8)Chapter 87 · The Mermaid on the Shore (9)Chapter 88 · The Mermaid on the Shore (10)Chapter 89 · The Mermaid on the Shore (11)Chapter 90 · The Mermaid on the Shore (12)Chapter 91 · The Mermaid on the Shore (13)Chapter 92 · The Mermaid on the Shore (14)Chapter 93 · The Mermaid on the Shore (15)Chapter 94 · The Mermaid on the Shore (16)Chapter 95 · The Mermaid on the Shore (17)Chapter 96 Part 1 · The Mermaid on the Shore (18)Chapter 96 Part 2 · The Mermaid on the Shore (18)Chapter 97 · The Mermaid on the Shore (19)Chapter 98 · Give me a drop of blood (1)Chapter 99 · Give me a drop of blood (2)Chapter 100 · Give me a drop of blood (3)Chapter 101 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (4)Chapter 102 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (5)Chapter 103 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (6)Chapter 104 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (7)Chapter 105 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (8)Chapter 106 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (9)Chapter 107 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (10)Chapter 108 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (11)Chapter 109 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (12)Chapter 110 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (13)Chapter 111 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (14)Chapter 112 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (15)Chapter 113 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (16)Chapter 114 · Give Me a Drop of Blood (17)Chapter 115 · Extra 1: A Little Conversation After Drinking (1)Chapter 116 · Extra: A Little Conversation After Drinking (2)Chapter 117 · Extra: A Little Conversation After Drinking (3)