Chapter 12

He paused, then turned back to take the biscuits and said, “Thank you,” before striding away. 

Seeing this, Liu Hai gave a meaningful smile and asked, “Young lady, are you a friend of our Captain Wei?” 

Lu Jiu felt that this man was like an old fox. She opened her mouth to reply but was suddenly interrupted. A large hand reached out, grabbing the gossipy superior and pulling him away. 

“Hey… you brat, let go! I can walk on my own. Don’t you care about my dignity? Let go… Is your hand a vice grip? Oh, by the way, young lady, our Captain’s name is Wei Shian and he’s single. If you have time… mmph mmph…” 

Seeing the high-ranking middle-aged officer being forcibly silenced like that, the Lu family members were unsure what expression to wear. 

After a while, Lu Yousheng was the first to speak, “Peony, do you know that Captain Wei?” Given the 20-year age difference between the cousins, they didn’t keep in close touch, but he still cared about his cousin, who was only slightly older than his own daughter. 

Second Cousin Lu Youjun also asked, “Yeah, how come you didn’t mention this last night?” If it was about finding a partner, they, as her brothers, would definitely keep a close watch and make sure she didn’t end up with someone like Li Ze again. 

Lu Jiu answered honestly, “I met him once before, but we’re not close.” 

“Not close? Then why…” 

“Enough with the questions. Peony has already graduated from college.” Seeing that even the old man was about to chime in, Jiang Hongmei quickly interrupted. She really thought the men in the family were blind, not noticing how polite and distant Lu Jiu and that officer had been with each other. 

Thinking of this, she signaled to her niece and granddaughter, “We still need to head up the mountain. We’re not sure if the damaged grapevines can be salvaged. You two should go back and have breakfast.” 

Lu Xinxin quickly grabbed her aunt and ran off… 

The men of the Lu family… 

— 

On the way home. 

Lu Jiu reached out to brush against the wildflowers and grasses by the roadside but still felt nothing. 

It had been several days since her demon spirit awakened, yet she still couldn’t figure out how to cultivate spiritual power. 

Could it be that there’s no spiritual energy in this world? 

The thought made Lu Jiu feel a bit disheartened. 

“Auntie, you brought water and biscuits earlier just for that handsome police officer, huh?” Lu Xinxin still couldn’t quite believe it. 

Her beautiful aunt had mentioned that she’d seen him once before. 

So… just a glimpse at the city bureau’s entrance yesterday, and she was already interested? 

Whatever Lu Xinxin was thinking was almost entirely written on her face. Lu Jiu, exasperated, reached out and poked her with a finger. “What’s going on in that head of yours? Yes, I brought the water and biscuits for Officer Wei, but I’d met him before.” 

When she left her uncle’s house earlier, she wasn’t even sure if she would run into him, but she thought it would be inappropriate just to offer verbal thanks, so she packed the water and biscuits. It turned out to be the right decision. 

Actually, Lu Jiu had wanted to give him a banner of thanks. Although she didn’t intend to jump off the building that day, it was all just a misunderstanding. 

But his brave rescue was real, and she couldn’t just pretend nothing had happened. 

Demons especially hate owing favors! 

Even though she was now human, it was hard to shake such deeply ingrained beliefs. 

Not only was her aunt beautiful, but even her voice was soft and soothing. Lu Xinxin loved listening to her talk, though she still hummed in disagreement. “I know you met him yesterday.” 

“Not yesterday.” Knowing that her niece wouldn’t stop asking questions until she explained clearly, Lu Jiu briefly recounted what had happened on the rooftop. 

At first, when Lu Xinxin heard that Li Ze was hugging his secretary, she puffed up her cheeks in anger. But when she heard that her handsome police officer saved her aunt, she became excited and shook her aunt’s arm vigorously. “Oh my gosh! This is fate!” 

The young girl wasn’t very big, but she was surprisingly strong. Caught off guard, Lu Jiu stumbled and nearly fell into the nearby bushes. 

“Auntie!” 

“I’m okay.” Before she could fall, Lu Jiu caught herself with her hand on the grass. 

Unexpectedly, just as she was about to stand up, a cool sensation of spiritual energy suddenly flowed into her fingertips, particularly at the tips of her index and ring fingers. 

It was faint, just a tiny wisp, but it was definitely spiritual energy. 

Lu Jiu blinked and then quickly looked at the plant her fingers had touched. 

This… is a peony seed pod? 

— 

Haicheng. 

Lu Corporation Department Store. 

Lu Jun was wearing a black blouse, matching suit pants, and a pair of slightly bold red high heels. She strode out confidently while talking to the handsome man walking beside her, exuding an air of authority. 

Every employee they passed greeted them respectfully, saying, “Hello, President Lu! Hello, Assistant Han!” 

As they reached the entrance, a security guard opened the glass door for them. 

Lu Jun nodded at him. “Thank you.” 

As soon as she stepped outside, a wave of heat hit her face. 

Squinting in discomfort, she was about to open her bag to take out her sunglasses when she caught sight of a dark figure rushing toward her from the corner of her eye. 

She frowned and instinctively lifted her foot to kick. 

However, the man beside her moved faster, pulling her aside just in time. 

Lu Jun looked up and met his cold gaze, feeling quite annoyed. 

Han Fengming adjusted his glasses and said matter-of-factly, “Kicking someone in high heels could hurt you.” 

Lu Jun rolled her eyes, too tired to argue with him—she had never won a debate with him since they were kids anyway. 

Instead, she turned her attention to the person who had approached her. 

But when she saw who it was, her mood worsened. She pursed her red lips in disdain and asked, “What are you doing here?” 

” Jie, I’m here to find Peony. Can you tell me where she is? I can’t find her anywhere…” Li Ze looked at her pleadingly, his eyes full of desperation. 

A few days ago, his father had stormed into his office, threw a bunch of photos at him, and angrily informed him that Peony was breaking off their engagement. Li Ze was stunned. 

Later, Li Ze seriously reflected on everything. 

He realized he had taken Peony’s constant presence for granted. No, he had been certain of it. 

So, he hadn’t been in a rush. Despite admiring and feeling protective toward An an, he had never considered breaking off his engagement. Li Ze was confident that as long as he sincerely apologized, Peony would surely forgive him! 

She was always understanding and had a good temper. 

But now, Peony’s phone number had changed, her social media account had been inactive, and he had asked every friend and relative, yet no one knew where she had gone.