Seeing Through

Lu Jin walked toward the elevator with a dark expression, Lu Wan following closely behind. As she watched his tall and slender figure, she found it rather strange. Even if the servant had made a mistake, there was no need to get this angry.

The elevator doors opened, revealing Su Ran standing in the middle of the living room. He was soaked through, his nose red from the cold, and he was turning around to look at the water marks he had left on the floor, apologizing to the butler, “Sorry, I’ve made the floor all wet.”

At that moment, Lu Jin thought Lu Wan was right. This person was truly a fool, foolish enough to make one angry.

Butler Zhang, a kind-hearted middle-aged man, comforted Su Ran, “It’s fine, no need to worry. Young Master and Miss are coming down now.”

As Su Ran looked over, he saw Lu Jin and Lu Wan walking toward him. The aura around them was strong, making him feel even more awkward. He tightened his fingers and greeted them, “Mr. Lu, Miss Lu.”

Lu Wan, always warm and friendly, quickly walked over. “Just call me Wan Wan,” she said as she took the pastries from his hands. “Oh my gosh, you’re really thoughtful. Even with such heavy rain, you still came as promised. You’re all drenched!”

Su Ran felt a little embarrassed by her words, especially since he had come with a purpose. “It suddenly started raining on the way. I didn’t expect it.”

“How about some ginger tea later to warm you up?” Lu Wan said as she reached up to touch Su Ran’s wet hair. She genuinely thought the young man was quite cute.

At that moment, Lu Jin, who hadn’t said anything until now, suddenly spoke, “Come upstairs with me, I’ll get you some dry clothes.”

Su Ran looked up, initially thinking about refusing, but when he saw Lu Jin’s icy face, he reluctantly agreed, “Alright, thank you.”

The villa had four floors. The first floor had high ceilings and a vintage, luxurious decoration, giving off an air of seriousness that made Su Ran feel uneasy and tense, unable to relax. He unconsciously stiffened up.

Lu Jin’s attitude wasn’t any warmer. He walked behind Su Ran, and all Su Ran could see was his cold, indifferent back, making him wonder if Lu Jin didn’t want him there.

It wasn’t until they got into the elevator that Lu Wan tried to follow them in, only to be stopped by Lu Jin. “Sister, you stay downstairs and have some pastries. Make yourself a pot of hot tea.”

Lu Wan, confused, could only watch as the elevator doors closed.

Lu Jin’s sense of smell was always very sharp, and he could detect subtle differences in scents that others couldn’t. In the confined space of the elevator, Su Ran’s scent, mingled with the smell of rain, filled the air and clung to every corner.

His gaze swept from the tip of Su Ran’s wet hair down to his feet. Su Ran’s clothes, soaked and clinging to his body, made him look even thinner. The delicate curve of his neck was damp, looking almost like it was reflecting light.

Su Ran slightly lowered his head, feeling the atmosphere turn icy. When he glanced at Lu Jin, he noticed the man was frowning slightly. Lu Jin was very good at reading the mood, and Su Ran felt that his expression seemed to show some disdain for him.

Su Ran looked down at himself. His clothes were drenched, almost like they had been soaked in water and taken out to dry. He now realized that his jacket was actually dripping, with water droplets falling from the zipper and forming a small water stain on the elevator floor.

He immediately took off his jacket and held it in his hands, but just as he did, he heard a sharp intake of breath. Instinctively, he turned his head and saw that Lu Jin’s frown had deepened.

At that moment, Lu Jin was staring at Su Ran in shock. Underneath the wet jacket was a white T-shirt, now see-through from the rain, clinging to his body and outlining his slender figure. His rounded shoulders and slim waist were clearly visible.

Why was he suddenly taking his clothes off?

Lu Jin felt his breath catch, and just as he was starting to lose composure, the elevator doors opened. He quickly stepped out, feeling his head spin, as though he had a fever. It was hard to keep his calm.

At this moment, Su Ran, following behind, was finally sure that Lu Jin didn’t welcome his arrival. He must have already figured out Su Ran’s purpose in coming. Of course, Lu Jin was such a smart person. As someone at the center of power and fame, how could he not know the tricks people used to climb up?

“Um… Mr. Lu,” Su Ran called.

Lu Jin stopped and turned around. He didn’t like this impulsive feeling, but his face remained perfectly calm. “What is it?”

When Su Ran saw him turn around, he was startled. Lu Jin’s expression was somewhat frightening, his eyes slightly red, as though he was coldly staring at prey, wanting to crush it.

Had he disturbed Lu Jin too much today?

At that moment, Lu Jin was standing right in front of Su Ran, staring intently into his eyes. His self-control kept his gaze from drifting downward.

That semi-transparent shirt almost made everything about Su Ran visible, yet there was something hazy about it, adding to its beauty and temptation.

“I… I should leave,” Su Ran said, biting his lip. His lips, once pale from the cold, were now turning red from his nervous bite. He was about to give up. If Lu Jin truly disliked him, staying here would only make things worse.

Lu Jin, still confused, softened his voice, “Why?”

“Well… I made some new pastries and wanted to invite you and Miss Lu Wan to try them at my place. Would you come?” Su Ran looked up at Lu Jin.

Lu Jin’s breath faltered, and for a moment, he almost thought this was Su Ran’s strategy. It seemed like Su Ran had planned everything from the start—his wet, innocent eyes, his clothes removed, and himself made to look like this…

Sure enough, Su Ran had finally exposed his real purpose.

Unfortunately, Lu Jin had already anticipated this. He had seen through it.

•

•

The day that Lu Jin came to Su Ran’s house for dinner, Su Ran had been busy in the kitchen the entire afternoon. Jiang Yi had stayed home specifically to help, with Su Ran handling the pastries and Jiang Yi preparing the main dishes.

He hadn’t had much time to develop the new pastries, and for the past two days, he had been glued to the oven, barely eating or drinking. After all, the new desserts had to be perfect for the tasting.

While they were busy in the kitchen, the doorbell suddenly rang. Su Ran and Jiang Yi exchanged a glance, and then Jiang Yi looked at his wristwatch. “He’s half an hour early.”

For someone like Lu Jin, who was always punctual down to the minute, it was odd for him to arrive early for a gathering.

“Could it be him?” Su Ran said, surprised, as he ran to open the door. And indeed, it was Lu Jin.

The smell of baked goods and food wafted from inside, the warm air hitting their faces. Lu Jin, looking at Su Ran in his casual home clothes, said, “I was nearby and finished my business early, so I came straight over.”

“Oh… Come on in,” Su Ran said, bending down to fetch slippers for him. “How come Miss Lu Wan didn’t come?”

“She had something to do and couldn’t make it,” Lu Jin said淡ly.

This was the second time Lu Jin had entered Su Ran’s house. Jiang Yi came over to greet him, still holding the spatula in his hand. “Welcome, welcome. Finally, you’re here. Let me treat you to my cooking.”

Lu Jin gave him a cold glance. Seeing the harmonious scene of the two of them together, he shifted his gaze with clear distaste.

If it weren’t for Su Ran showing up at his house, soaked and looking pitiful, Lu Jin probably wouldn’t have felt the slightest bit of sympathy, and wouldn’t have bothered coming.