Chapter 13: Choosing the Right Tree to Perch On

It probably wasn’t the second time he had sent a harassing message, because the frequency of Lu Jinzhi being harassed could no longer be measured in terms of “times.”

But in response to her question, Lu Jinzhi didn’t reply again.

Forget it, there was no need to borrow anxiety in advance. She’d wait until he returned to the country to address it.

The Zero Loop Line was a place most ordinary people couldn’t afford, and even fewer could get the boss’s phone number.

Upon learning that Lu Yingchi was indeed at the Zero Loop Line but wasn’t drinking—just racing—Qiao Wu didn’t ask further and simply instructed someone to keep an eye on him.

Since Hong Cheng dared to call her phone directly, he naturally wouldn’t let her get in touch with Lu Yingchi. Qiao Wu didn’t bother wasting any more effort on a futile task.

Putting her phone away, she hooked an arm around Lu Ning. “Let’s go, I’ll buy some doll clothes for your doll.”

“Why bother with me? Aren’t you going to find Lu Yingchi?” Lu Ning swatted her hand away. “After all, I’m just Option E, Plan B. My feelings don’t matter.”

Qiao Wu raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Oh, you know a word like that?”

“?” Lu Ning gritted her teeth. “Is that the point? Aren’t you going to find Lu Yingchi?”

Qiao Wu leaned down slightly.

Lu Ning looked up and saw the pair of eyes, framed by the glasses she had personally picked out, blink at her gently.

Then her cheek was lightly pinched by Qiao Wu’s cool fingertips as the woman smiled warmly. “Let him wait.”

It dawned on Lu Ning belatedly that since Qiao Wu had returned to the country, she hadn’t worn the same outfit twice. Each ensemble was meticulously put together, leaving a striking impression. How could someone with such taste possibly come to her, a kid who wore a school uniform every day, for advice?

The Zero Loop Line was a place filled with all sorts of shady characters. Qiao Wu trusted the Lu Family but didn’t trust others, so she had no intention of bringing Lu Ning there.

After finishing their shopping and sending Lu Ning home, Qiao Wu picked a car and headed to the Zero Loop Line. The mountain roads there were steep, and regular cars couldn’t handle them well.

—

At the foot of the Zero Loop Line, the starting point was bustling with noise and excitement. As dusk approached, more and more people gathered. Young people loved running the Night Run—it was more thrilling and exhilarating.

Especially today, when a regular guest had arrived.

At the center of everyone’s attention was a man wearing a black helmet. One long leg was planted on the ground, while the other was bent and resting on his motorcycle. His visor was flipped up, and the strands of hair on his forehead were damp with sweat, revealing wolf-like eyes.

Someone nearby popped open a bottle of champagne, eliciting cheers from the crowd. “How many laps has Lu Shao won today? And he’s still going?!”

Lu Yingchi, who was adjusting his gloves, glanced coldly at the person opening the champagne. “Stay back.”

Just the sight of alcohol made him feel uneasy all over.

He hadn’t been to the Zero Loop Line in a while. He’d come today in a bad mood, wanting to race a few laps, but the more he ran, the worse he felt.

His mind kept alternating between Lu Xuan’s provocations and the image of Qiao Wu standing in front of him, asking him what right he had.

Damn it, he was the Fourth Young Master of the Lu Family.

How dare Qiao Wu, a mere opportunist, look down on him?!

He hadn’t gone home today, and now, during dinner time, she hadn’t even called him once.

Too busy coddling the milk-sucking Lu Xuan, huh!

Lu Yingchi finished adjusting his gloves, pulled down his visor, and leaned on the handlebars. His gaze swept over the men and women around him. “Who’s next?”

“Everyone’s tired.” Hong Cheng hadn’t forgotten what Hu Zhuo planned to do today, so he had been trying to coax Lu Yingchi to the mansion at the mountain’s peak. “You’re full of energy, but the rest of us aren’t as strong as you. Don’t we all need a break? Why don’t we head up and sit for a while?”

The mansion was filled with chaos and smoke, and Lu Yingchi had no interest in going. If no one wanted to race him, he would just ride alone.

Without saying a word, he rode off on his bike.

Watching his retreating figure, Hong Cheng sighed. Why was this young master becoming harder and harder to read?

Just then, Hu Zhuo called: “Where’s Qiao Wu? Why hasn’t she arrived yet?”

“How should I know?” Hong Cheng was also puzzled. “She said she’d come, but it’s been the whole afternoon.”

“What about Lu Yingchi?”

“He’s up the mountain.”

“Keep him there. I’ll let you know when to bring him over.”

Hong Cheng casually agreed. “So, what exactly are you planning?”

“You haven’t seen that Qiao Wu yet, have you? She’s damn attractive, nothing like a housekeeper should look.” Hu Zhuo’s words were crude. “I’ve set up cameras here. She made me lose face in front of so many people. When she arrives, I’ll have a few guys hold her down, and I’ll make her taste her own medicine. After such a humiliation, the Lu Family would never keep her as their housekeeper, and Lu Yingchi would get his revenge too.”

Hong Cheng was well aware of Hu Zhuo’s dirty tricks. He wanted to say that Lu Yingchi was somewhat protective, but then again, if he disliked her, he probably wouldn’t care. Either way, it didn’t concern him much. She was just a housekeeper, and he wouldn’t be blamed for it.

Lu Yingchi was a simple-minded person, easily swayed by others. He didn’t even know that his phone had been used to block Qiao Wu, the housekeeper. Later, they could quietly unblock her, and he’d be none the wiser.

As soon as he hung up, he heard a commotion behind him, accompanied by countless whistles.

Turning around, he saw a modified Mercedes CLR G770 off-road vehicle parked behind him, imposing and stylish. Anyone who loved cars would instinctively be drawn to it. It was the first time this car had been seen on the Zero Loop Line, and no one knew who had brought it.

Although there were many rich second-generation heirs on the Zero Loop Line, the wealthy were also divided into tiers. This was something worth paying attention to, especially since there were also some hangers-on trying to mingle with the rich.

With Lu Yingchi gone, everyone’s attention naturally shifted here, until the car door opened.

“Holy shit!”

Someone exclaimed, sparking even more curiosity among the crowd.

Hong Cheng took a few steps forward, his gaze firmly fixed on the car.

There were plenty of women who drove off-road vehicles, and they were all cool.

But the woman beside this car didn’t look like she was here for racing. She wore a gray sleeveless knitted T-shirt, her waist slender and delicate. Below, she had on a high-waisted, slit denim skirt that reached her ankles, revealing her pale calves and black ankle boots. Her hair was half-tied, and she wore thin-framed glasses, exuding an intellectual yet cold aura.

Paired with the off-road vehicle behind her, her presence instantly overshadowed everyone else, male or female.

It was an aura that made even approaching her for a conversation intimidating. Hong Cheng couldn’t take his eyes off her.

Then he realized something was off—why was she walking toward him?!

Could it be that his charm had finally been noticed?

His hair stood on end as he stared dumbfounded at her approaching him. Her pink lips parted slightly: “Hong Cheng?”

“Yes, that’s me.” Hong Cheng’s hands trembled with excitement. “And you are?”

Qiao Wu didn’t answer but smiled instead. “Want to get in the car?”

Before he could finish speaking, Hong Cheng eagerly interrupted, “Let’s go! Right now!”

With that, he hurried toward the off-road vehicle, so anxious that he nearly stumbled.

Qiao Wu hadn’t always been the Lu Family’s housekeeper, and after being abroad for two years, her relationship with the Lu Family members was quite complicated. As a result, most of their friends didn’t recognize her, and she wasn’t mistaken about that.

But in her dreams, she had seen these people countless times.

Seeing Hong Cheng get into the car, she also took the driver’s seat, closing the door to block out the gazes of those outside. She spoke calmly, “Seatbelt.”

“Okay, okay,” Hong Cheng fumbled to fasten his seatbelt, not at all worried about being “eaten” by someone. If such a beautiful woman were to “eat” him, it would be an honor, really.

Besides, on the Zero Loop Line, countless one-night stands happened every day, so he wasn’t the least bit surprised.

Meeting a beauty of this caliber for the first time, and one who was so proactive, he didn’t feel the usual urgency. He pretended to strike up a conversation, “What’s your name, beautiful?”

As soon as he finished speaking, the car door locks clicked shut.

Hong Cheng’s heart skipped a beat.

“I’d like to borrow your phone,” Qiao Wu replied, seemingly off-topic. “May I?”

“Of course!”

Hong Cheng almost threw his phone at her after unlocking it in a flash. “Is your phone out of battery?”

After taking the phone, Qiao Wu opened the call log. Hu Zhuo’s name was glaringly displayed at the top. She wasn’t too surprised. After glancing at it, she tossed the phone to the back seat.

Hong Cheng: “?”

Qiao Wu held the steering wheel with one hand and tilted her head slightly. “Where’s Lu Yingchi?”

“…”

The blood that had rushed to his head instantly cooled. Hong Cheng’s expression turned a bit unpleasant.

But between him and Lu Yingchi, anyone with eyes would know who to choose.

“Beautiful, don’t think about him. Lu Yingchi hasn’t even held a girl’s hand. He’s just a little fledgling,” Hong Cheng relaxed, leaning back in his seat with a scoff. “He’s not as good as me.”

“Wasn’t it you who called me to find him?”

“When did I…” Hong Cheng’s voice abruptly stopped.

After calming down, he suddenly realized the voice sounded familiar. He had only called one woman today!

He forgot to manage his expression: “Butler Qiao?!”

“Qiao Wu.”

In the messages Qiao Wu later received, Hong Cheng had sent her the private room number at the mansion. But she wasn’t foolish enough to deliver herself to their doorstep. When she arrived and saw Hong Cheng without anyone else around, she had a rough idea of the situation. That’s why she first brought him into the car and locked the doors.

“Where’s Lu Yingchi?” she asked again.

Still in shock, Hong Cheng forgot to manage his expression and even forgot his phone had been tossed away. He pointed toward the mountain road, “He… he rode his bike up the mountain.”

He hadn’t expected Hu Zhuo’s description of Qiao Wu as “stunning” to be this accurate, nor had he expected her to be so young!

How could Lu Yingchi dislike such a housekeeper? He should be grateful!

He didn’t dislike her! She could come to his house! She could manage him!

Qiao Wu nodded and started the car.

Hong Cheng, still not fully processing the situation, instinctively continued the lie, “I couldn’t stop him. Are you going to chase him? You won’t catch up. He’s always been fast, and this road is steep and hard to drive. Why don’t we park here and take the elevator up? It’ll be quicker to wait for him there.”

Then he could take Qiao Wu directly to the private room.

Honestly, he was really curious now. After Hu Zhuo’s plan unfolded, what would this black swan beside him turn into?

Not everyone on the Zero Loop Line is into street racing; there’s an elevator that goes directly to the mountaintop mansion.

“Housekeeper Qiao…”

Before he could finish, his body jerked backward as the car shot forward like an arrow from a bow.

I have to say, this car’s performance is truly impressive!

He grabbed the handle: “Housekeeper Qiao, what are you doing!”

Compared to his panic, Qiao Wu’s expression didn’t change at all, her voice even calmer: “What does Hu Zhuo want from me?”

“How should I know!” Hong Cheng’s heart was pounding, “Stop the car first!”

“I haven’t been back in the country for long, and I’m not quite used to driving domestic cars.” Qiao Wu pressed the accelerator, speaking nonchalantly, “Hold on tight.”

What?!!!

Driving yourself and being a passenger are completely different experiences. Hong Cheng usually doesn’t even dare to ride in Lu Yingchi’s car, always waiting at the start or finish line. Hearing this, he almost knelt down to Qiao Wu.

Another sharp turn, and he immediately closed his eyes, fearing he might meet his end right there.

He didn’t know if Qiao Wu was scared, but he certainly was!

“I’ll tell you, I’ll tell you!” he blurted out in panic, “He’s got people waiting for you, planning to film you making a fool of yourself!”

Qiao Wu thought it would be some formidable tactic, but it turned out to be so petty. She chuckled: “Indeed, with brains like yours, what else could be expected.”

Hong Cheng was on the verge of a breakdown: “Slow down, please!”

Qiao Wu had no intention of slowing down; she quite enjoyed this feeling, as if she was truly alive. She suddenly understood Lu Yingchi a bit.

Although it was a mountain road, to prevent anyone from giving up midway or getting into trouble, there were designated parking spots along the way.

Qiao Wu hadn’t taken many turns when she suddenly saw a familiar figure standing at a parking spot, smoking.

She slowed down and parked the car behind Lu Yingchi.

Lu Yingchi didn’t turn around; who came up didn’t concern him, he just didn’t want to go to the mansion.

Until a familiar voice came from behind: “Lu Yingchi.”

For some reason, Lu Yingchi’s immediate reaction was to hide the cigarette, but he only realized he was burning his palm with the cigarette butt when he closed his hand. Half of his face was hidden in the shadows: “What are you doing here?”

Having not spoken for a long time and being smoked out, his voice was a bit hoarse.

Seeing another pale-faced person in the car, his expression darkened: “What is he doing in your car!”

Qiao Wu leaned her elbow on the car window, lazily saying: “He said you were here drinking and racing, and he couldn’t stop you, so he asked me to come see.”

Hong Cheng: “…”

He silently shrank down, trying to make himself less noticeable.

“?” Lu Yingchi was furious, rolling up his sleeves to charge over, “You dare to spread rumors about me?”

Haven’t you been splashed with wine before?!

Originally, Hong Cheng thought he could get away unscathed, but Qiao Wu didn’t follow the plan at all, catching him completely off guard. Now there was no way to deny it, and his phone was thrown away.

He immediately said: “Brother! Chi-ge! It really wasn’t my idea!”

As Lu Yingchi was about to go around to grab him, Qiao Wu reached out and pressed his shoulder: “Had enough rest? If so, come up with me.”

Lu Yingchi cursed under his breath: “Where to? Couldn’t you have called me first?”

Qiao Wu didn’t say anything, just took out her phone and called him. Sure enough, the call went to voicemail, clearly Lu Yingchi’s phone wasn’t responding at all.

Even the dimmest person could tell what had happened. Hong Cheng wouldn’t dare to mess with him, so naturally, he was targeting Qiao Wu.

Lu Yingchi’s expression darkened as he found Qiao Wu’s name in the blacklist.

The only person who could have touched his phone today was Hong Cheng.

“Get down here,” he threw his gloves at Hong Cheng, hitting him hard in the face. “You’ve got a death wish, haven’t you?”

Hong Cheng could only hide behind Qiao Wu, praying she wouldn’t unlock the car, not daring to make a sound.

“We’ll settle the account later,” Qiao Wu tilted her chin slightly. “Let’s go.”

Lu Yingchi’s dark eyes locked onto her. “Do you have a brain? You know he’s tricking you, and you still go?”

“Of course,” Qiao Wu didn’t care who was waiting for her there. She glanced meaningfully to the side. “If I don’t go, how would you know what kind of scoundrels are around you?”

Lu Yingchi kicked a street lamp, pointed a warning finger at the quivering Hong Cheng, but didn’t say another word. Without even putting on his goggles, he got on his bike and rode off.

Qiao Wu smiled silently and followed behind him.

“Butler Qiao…” Hong Cheng was completely deflated now, clutching the seatbelt nervously. “Lu Shao… he seems to listen to you.”

Hu Zhuo had said that Lu Yingchi disliked this housekeeper, but this didn’t look like dislike at all!

If Lu Yingchi truly disliked someone, he wouldn’t speak to them or even glance their way.

But the moment Qiao Wu appeared, Lu Yingchi tensed up completely. That wasn’t the attitude towards a housekeeper; it was more like she was family!

“It was all Hu Zhuo’s idea!” he quickly distanced himself. “Please put in a good word for me!”

Qiao Wu wasn’t paying attention to him and didn’t bother to respond.

When the car reached the mountaintop, many people were already waiting, mostly for Lu Yingchi. If the young master was in a good mood, he might even pay their bills later.

But today, Lu Yingchi ignored everyone. Anyone who got close was met with a harsh “Get lost!”

Everyone was too scared to approach until another car pulled up. Lu Yingchi, with a grim face, walked over, opened the passenger door, and yanked the person inside out.

He didn’t hold back his strength, and the already terrified Hong Cheng was thrown to the ground and dragged a good distance.

“Qiao!”

Lu Yingchi didn’t like hearing that name from his mouth, so he covered it with his hand, leaned down, and pressed Hong Cheng’s neck to the ground with his other hand. “Try getting close to her again?”

Everyone froze. Who didn’t know that Hong Cheng was part of Lu Yingchi’s circle? They were chatting just moments ago on the mountain, and now they were at each other’s throats?

Then, the other car door opened, and the person who stepped out caused the surroundings to fall silent.

Qiao Wu took back Hong Cheng’s phone, walked calmly to Lu Yingchi’s side, tapped his shoulder, and didn’t even glance at Hong Cheng on the ground. “Let’s go.”

The first floor of the mansion was ablaze with lights and booming music, but once you passed the soundproof door on the second floor, it became much quieter.

Hu Zhuo, sitting in the private room, had been waiting impatiently and couldn’t help but call to hurry them up.

Qiao Wu glanced down, suddenly stopped, and handed the phone to Lu Yingchi’s ear, whispering, “Shh, don’t make a sound.”

Lu Yingchi, holding his helmet, saw the caller and resisted the urge to kick Hong Cheng again, then answered the call.

 The moment the call connected, Hu Zhuo’s impatient voice rang out: “What’s going on? When is she coming? It’s already so late!”

Lu Yingchi grabbed Hong Cheng by the collar, his dark gaze pressing down on him.

The latter hurriedly replied, “She’s coming, she’s coming, she’ll be here soon!”

“Hurry up, Room 209,” Hu Zhuo’s voice rose with excitement. “Lu Yingchi isn’t here, right?”

“No!” Sensing the terrifying aura beside him, Hong Cheng felt Lu Yingchi’s hand already gripping his neck. He closed his eyes and said, “He’s still running laps.”

“That’s good,” Hu Zhuo chuckled. “Once we’ve ‘disciplined’ Qiao Wu for him and sent him the video, he’ll naturally calm down.”

Lu Yingchi couldn’t hold back any longer. He threw Hong Cheng aside, snatched the phone, and said in a sinister tone, “Calm down, my ass.”

The other end of the call suddenly fell silent.

Lu Yingchi smashed the phone against the wall, shattering it into pieces.

He didn’t even bother to find out where Qiao Wu was, striding directly toward Room 209.

In the private room, Hu Zhuo couldn’t possibly mistake that voice. How did Lu Yingchi get the call?!

That tone…

Panic suddenly surged in his heart. He scrambled to his feet, pushing aside the men he had brought with him, and rushed toward the door.

But just as he managed to open the door, a tall figure was already blocking the entrance.

Lu Yingchi, his hair disheveled and a helmet cradled in the crook of his left arm, stood there with his head lowered, blocking all escape routes. His expression was even more terrifying than it had been on the yacht that day.

Hu Zhuo forced a guilty smile, “Lu… Lu Shao…”

Without a word, Lu Yingchi kicked him toward the table. The tower of wine glasses stacked on it instantly crashed to the floor, shattering into pieces. Hu Zhuo’s back burned with pain, and he was drenched in alcohol.

Before he could recover, Lu Yingchi raised his hand.

As the helmet came crashing down, Hu Zhuo rolled and crawled to dodge, but it still struck his shoulder, the pain nearly making him cry out.

Lu Yingchi stepped into the private room, picked up the helmet from the sea of glass shards, and walked over to Hu Zhuo. He stepped on the hand Hu Zhuo was trying to use to steady himself on the table and asked, “What did you just say you were going to do?”

The men Hu Zhuo had brought with him all recognized Lu Yingchi. Seeing this, none of them dared to move, and they were about to sneak away when two more people walked in through the door.

One was a disheveled Hong Cheng, and the other was a tall, unfamiliar woman.

Under the dim, ambiguous lighting of the private room, the woman’s face seemed to have an added layer of a hazy filter, making her appear somewhat unreal.

Seeing that Lu Yingchi was about to bring the helmet down again, Qiao Wu spoke up at the right moment, “That’s enough.”

Lu Yingchi held the helmet for a long time without moving, until his arm was gently tugged. Only then did he silently throw the helmet aside, but he still kept his foot on Hu Zhuo’s hand.

Seeing this, Hu Zhuo had no idea what was going on.

He hadn’t been present when Lu Yingchi was forced to drink that day, so he didn’t know why Lu Yingchi had ended up in such a sorry state. But judging by the current situation, who else could it be besides Qiao Wu?!

Who else could bully Lu Yingchi like that and make him swallow his anger, and now, with just a single sentence, calm the furious Lu Yingchi?

This was called not caring about the family’s Housekeeper?!

Qiao Wu turned to Hong Cheng behind her and said, “Close the door.”

Even those who had been called along couldn’t leave.

After speaking, she glanced around the room, picked up the camera placed in the corner, and walked over to Hu Zhuo, pointing it at his face. She asked in a calm and polite tone, “I’m here. What did you want to see me about?”

Hu Zhuo’s hand was pressed against the glass, the pain causing cold sweat to pour down his face. He gritted his teeth and remained silent.

Little did he expect that Lu Yingchi would grind his foot on Hu Zhuo’s hand and say in a chilling voice, “Cat got your tongue?”

Hu Zhuo was on the verge of breaking down. Didn’t you all hear it on the phone? Why do you need to hear it again?!

“I was wrong!” he said, his voice trembling. “I shouldn’t have tricked you into coming! I shouldn’t have had those bad intentions! I’ll never dare to do it again!”

“Look here and say it,” Qiao Wu tapped the camera with her fingertip. “Why were you so eager to please Lu Yingchi?”

Hu Zhuo was stunned.

Even Lu Yingchi was taken aback, his expression momentarily filled with surprise.

Qiao Wu was patient. “I don’t like being lied to.”

At that moment, Hu Zhuo felt as if his heart had turned to ash. He knew everything was over.

Qiao Wu’s demeanor clearly indicated that she knew everything.

Hu Zhuo’s voice shook as he spoke, “Because I wanted to climb up by associating with him. He’s rich and powerful, easy to flatter and deceive…”

Not only was he trembling, but these words also struck Lu Yingchi’s ears, causing him to momentarily lose focus.

He wasn’t a fool; he could tell sincerity from pretense, and people like Hu Zhuo were insignificant in his eyes.

But as he reflected on the past eighteen years of his life, who around him had ever been sincere?

Even Qiao Wu…

Things that could be bought with money were no big deal. As long as he threw enough money around, there would always be people flocking to him, respectfully calling him “Lu Shao.” Surely, he could buy a little sincerity too.

But no one had ever said these things to his face.

Even though he was well aware of how despicable he was.

Did Qiao Wu have to tear off this facade right in front of him?

Just like looking down on him right in front of his face.

He stomped hard on Hu Zhuo’s hand. “Shut up!”

The room instantly fell silent.

Qiao Wu straightened up, placed the camera on the sofa, and called the owner of the establishment, asking him to handle the situation.

Then she said to Lu Yingchi, “Let him up.”

Lu Yingchi irritably moved his foot away.

Hu Zhuo had just managed to stand up, leaning on the table, when a sharp and heavy slap landed on his face. Half of his face went numb at first, followed by a burning pain.

His pupils slightly contracted as he stared blankly at Qiao Wu.

No one in the room expected her to hit him.

Qiao Wu, at the center of everyone’s attention, didn’t say a word after hitting him. Instead, she turned and walked over to Hong Cheng.

Sensing what she was about to do, Hong Cheng found himself unable to move, standing there dumbly as the slap came down.

The owner of the establishment arrived quickly. When he pushed the door open, all he saw was a mess and the others cowering, not daring to speak.

“It’s Lu Shao,” the boss said, as if he hadn’t noticed how miserable the others were. He walked straight up to Lu Yingchi. “I’m sorry you didn’t have a good time today. Next time you come, everything will be on me.”

Lu Yingchi leaned against the table, smoking, and ignored him.

The boss was tactful. He could run a place like this not just because he had money but also connections. He was someone of importance, but he knew better than to offend those he shouldn’t.

He then turned to the only lady present. She had been the one making all the calls today. At the moment, she was lowering her head, wiping her hands. Her beauty was breathtaking.

“Hello, my name is Jiang Yuan. May I ask how you are addressed, miss?” He handed her a handkerchief.

Qiao Wu took it and thanked him. “Qiao Wu.”

Jiang Yuan couldn’t recall any influential family with the surname Qiao, but that didn’t stop him from reading the room. This woman was clearly extraordinary.

“We still have things to discuss,” Qiao Wu said with a faint smile. “Please take care of these people.”

As if this situation needed any arranging!

But the people here had their own ways of handling things. Jiang Yuan had already assessed the situation and immediately had the others taken out. “Alright, I won’t disturb you then. Would you like a different private room?”

“No, thank you.”

After the others were led away, only two people remained in the room.

Qiao Wu didn’t speak, just fiddled with the camera, from which Hu Zhuo’s voice emanated.

Over and over.

Finally, the man who had been smoking all this time stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray, straightened up, and walked over the shards of glass to stand before Qiao Wu. “I didn’t get your call. Why did you come? Alone, do you even know what was waiting for you here?”

He wished he could crack open Qiao Wu’s head to see what was inside. How could she have let Hong Cheng into the car!

He didn’t dare think about what would have happened if the camera had captured something. What would Qiao Wu do? What would he do!

The emotions he had bottled up for so long exploded in an instant. He shouted, “Do you really not trust me that much, wanting to take me back?! Qiao Wu, do you even understand your position? You’re just a housekeeper. If I’m not satisfied, I can have the Old Man kick you out anytime!”

Qiao Wu paused in her fiddling with the camera and chuckled. “I know.”

“Then how dare you act so recklessly!”

Qiao Wu replied calmly, “Because I’m spoiled.”

“?”

Lu Yingchi was stunned speechless.

His mouth slightly agape, looking both adorable and ridiculous.

Who spoiled her?!

Actually, Qiao Wu had lied to Lu Ning about one thing.

No matter how excellent she was, as long as she was in the Lu Family, she could never be a proper housekeeper.

No housekeeper would treat the family members like this, so lawlessly.

She really was just spoiled.

She was also gambling, betting that after more than ten years, the people she grew up with were still worth it.

Fortunately, she won the bet.

Any obedient housekeeper wouldn’t have been able to control them.

Because in this world, there was only one Qiao Wu who shared their past, was willing to cross the line, and completely believed in their true nature.

“Didn’t I say it before? If you really want me to leave, I’ll go. I didn’t come to take you back, just to open your eyes,” Qiao Wu slightly tilted her head up. “Do you see now? What kind of people are around you?”

Lu Yingchi’s gaze was inscrutable. “Are you using this to mock me?”

He didn’t understand. Had Qiao Wu forgotten that she used to be the same kind of person? What right did she have to lecture him?

Qiao Wu’s eyes curved slightly: “No.”

“Lu Yingchi, I’ve known you for eighteen years. Why do you think I would believe an outsider?” she said softly. “Because I believe you wouldn’t do that, that’s why I came. I’ve always believed you’re not like them.”

Lu Yingchi seemed not to have heard clearly: “What?”

Qiao Wu smiled faintly: “Have you forgotten? You won so many Small Red Flower Awards in kindergarten.”

The tall figure before her seemed to tremble slightly.

Lu Yingchi stood straight in front of her, his throat clogged with a breath he couldn’t exhale, making his head swell and his heart race.

He thought, he thought only he remembered those things now.

Only he remembered who he had given all those Small Red Flower Awards to.

Because he had always seen her as someone he had to strive hard to catch up with.

He had personally raised a horse, a beautiful black pearl, waiting for the day he could give it to the Princess in his heart.

Later, his Princess disappeared without him knowing when.

Finally, his breathing grew heavier, and he took half a step back, leaning weakly against the bar.

“I didn’t.”

The young man, barely an adult, was confused and fearful.

He was sure he had disliked Qiao Wu in the past, but now, he was so afraid she might really get hurt, afraid she would be disappointed.

“I didn’t,” Lu Yingchi lowered his head, his dry throat repeating hoarsely, “I didn’t let anyone teach you a lesson, I didn’t drink, and I didn’t skip class. I was just angry.”

Angry that even someone as despicable as her wasn’t loyal, still thinking of Lu Xuan.

Angry that the person he couldn’t even beg for was made worthless by Lu Xuan.

Angry that Qiao Wu looked down on him.

Angry that he had almost harmed her.

“I know,” Qiao Wu stood up, picking up the helmet for him, coaxing him softly as she used to when picking him up from school, “Let’s go, it’s time to go home for dinner.”

It was already past nine when they got home.

Qiao Wu felt her hands were dirty after hitting those two people today, so she went to wash them first after returning.

Lu Yingchi had been sitting on the first floor, lost in thought, since they got back.

Lu Ning, who had seen a car coming in from upstairs, had originally wanted to show off her doll’s outfit to Qiao Wu, but only saw Lu Yingchi.

Thinking about how Qiao Wu had left halfway through their outing to clean up Lu Yingchi’s mess, Lu Ning was furious.

She walked up to Lu Yingchi with her doll: “Hey.”

Lu Yingchi didn’t look up; he wasn’t in the mood to argue with a child today.

“I’m saying, Lu Yingchi, can’t you be more ambitious?” Lu Ning glared at him.

Lu Yingchi lifted his eyelids slightly, then lowered them again: “If you’re bored, go crack some walnuts.”

“Can’t you stop making Qiao Wu worry?”

Hearing this, Lu Yingchi looked up, his gaze heavy as he stared at her.

“I’ve seen her resume. Although her personality is a bit lacking, her personal abilities are quite good,” Lu Ning lectured like a little adult. “She said, if you guys aren’t ambitious, you can’t afford her. She’ll choose something else.”

“What?”

“I’m only thirteen, I can’t earn money. She couldn’t have been talking to me, right?” Lu Ning said boldly, though not entirely justified. “So she must have been talking about you guys. She was hinting at you.”

Lu Yingchi: “…”