Lu Chengwen burst into laughter. "Wow, don't blame me—this is like the Titanic heading straight for an iceberg!"
Leng Qingqiu entered with several assistants, carrying an assortment of gifts, big and small, into the room.
Lu Guanghong and Mother Lu hurriedly stood to greet her.
"Oh, Qingqiu's here!" they exclaimed warmly.
Leng Qingqiu smiled brightly. "Hello, Uncle, Auntie. I brought some gifts to visit you."
Noticing Xu Xuejiao was also present, her expression faltered briefly before she regained her composure and said, "Xuejiao, my dear sister, you're here too."
Xu Xuejiao gave a faint smile, her eyes sharp as a blade. "Sister Leng, how do you have so much free time?"
"Oh, I just came to visit Uncle and Auntie, to show a bit of filial piety," Leng Qingqiu replied smoothly.
Xu Xuejiao's smile didn't waver, but her tone carried a sting. "You're so thoughtful, Sister. But in the past three years, while Brother Lu was pursuing you, I don't recall you ever coming by to show this 'filial piety.'"
The air crackled with tension as their words dripped with barbs.
Leng Qingqiu responded calmly, "Before things were settled, I didn't feel it was appropriate to visit unannounced. But now, as I'm about to become part of the Lu family, it's only right to come and honor my future in-laws."
Lu Guanghong and Mother Lu exchanged awkward glances. What a mess!
Leng Qingqiu's sudden initiative caught them off guard. Their families had indeed been engaged, but Leng Tianhao had called it off. And now, with Xu Xuejiao right there, how were they supposed to handle Leng Qingqiu?
If they were too cold to her, it would seem ungrateful—after all, Leng Qingqiu had stayed over at their home with Lu Chengwen before, and they'd been so fond of her as a potential daughter-in-law. But if they were too warm, wouldn't that signal to Xu Xuejiao that their family was fickle and unreliable?
Both parents squirmed in discomfort.
Xu Xuejiao pressed on. "I heard the engagement between the Leng and Lu families was canceled. Uncle Leng himself made the call, and his attitude wasn't exactly pleasant."
Leng Qingqiu didn't miss a beat. "My marriage is my own decision. I've chosen to be with Brother Chengwen, and that's final. Right, Brother Chengwen?"
"Huh?" Lu Chengwen played dumb, chuckling nervously. "Oh, haha, sure, sure…"
Xu Xuejiao shot back, "Brother Chengwen is with me now. I'm afraid the Leng family has missed its chance."
Leng Qingqiu's smile was icy. "I also heard that Uncle Xu strongly opposes this match. He said the Xu family doesn't need to rely on a marriage alliance with the Lu family for support. Their wealth and status stand on their own, and they wouldn't marry off their daughter just for money. Harsh words, don't you think?"
Xu Xuejiao's eyes flashed with anger. "Brother Chengwen is coming to meet my father tomorrow, and he'll agree!"
"Oh, so he hasn't agreed yet?" Leng Qingqiu teased.
Xu Xuejiao was fuming. "I'm set on Brother Chengwen! He likes me too. Just now, he was practically all over me in the car. Tell her, Brother Chengwen—weren't you pinning me down in there?"
Lu Chengwen's face turned crimson. "What nonsense are you spouting?!"
"Everyone knows! The whole Lu family knows!" Xu Xuejiao declared.
Leng Qingqiu, equally furious, shot back, "A few days ago, I stayed over at the Lu house, sleeping in the same room as Brother Chengwen. You think you can compete with that?"
"Oh, how unfortunate for you," Xu Xuejiao sneered. "After you left, I was the one sleeping in Brother Chengwen's room. We even drank together, didn't we, Brother Chengwen?"
Mother Lu swayed, clutching her head. "Old Lu, help me—I'm feeling dizzy."
Lu Guanghong quickly supported his wife toward the living room, asking with concern, "Are you okay?"
Mother Lu whispered, "I'm faking it. Didn't these girls used to drive Chengwen up the wall? What's going on now?"
"I'm just as confused," Lu Guanghong muttered. "I don't know what trick that kid pulled."
He helped his wife sit down, then turned back to the group. "Alright, Qingqiu, Xuejiao, please, have a seat. Let's talk this through."
Once everyone was seated, Lu Guanghong realized he was at a loss for words.
"Look, we—your auntie and I—appreciate your intentions," he began awkwardly. "This matter… it needs careful consideration. Qingqiu, you know we always supported you. We were thrilled about the engagement. But your father canceled it, and his stance was firm. What could we say?"
Leng Qingqiu replied firmly, "Uncle, Auntie, my life is mine to decide. I'm committed to Brother Chengwen, whether my father agrees or not."
Lu Guanghong was stunned. "What's so great about Lu Chengwen? That guy…"
"Cough!" Mother Lu nudged him sharply.
"Oh," Lu Guanghong backtracked, realizing he'd spoken his thoughts aloud. "What I mean is, I understand your feelings. But in truth, we elders can only guide you. The real question is whether this is a mutual commitment."
Xu Xuejiao jumped in, "Dad, what are you saying? Are you abandoning me?"
"No, no, Xuejiao!" Lu Guanghong hastened to clarify. "We see how much you care for Chengwen, and we support you completely. But your father… he doesn't seem to think much of our Chengwen. And for families like ours, getting married without parental approval is no small feat."
Leng Qingqiu and Xu Xuejiao locked eyes, their gazes fierce with rivalry.
Lu Guanghong and Mother Lu had never seen anything like this. Sure, they'd expected girls to chase after their son—after all, he was a young billionaire. But the Lu family, despite their wealth, held onto a simple, almost rustic sense of morality and family values. Lu Guanghong had always warned his sons: "Those girls aren't reliable. They're only after you because of your money. Anyone who chases wealth will do anything for it—including destroy you."
But Leng Qingqiu and Xu Xuejiao were different. They were serious. And that made things infinitely more complicated.
Lu Guanghong glared at his son. "Lu Chengwen, look at the mess you've made! What now? Say something!"
Lu Chengwen shrugged nonchalantly. "Why not both?"
"What?!" everyone gasped.
With a cheeky grin, he said, "Let them both stay tonight. We'll take turns, and whoever serves me best wins."
Lu Guanghong's eyes nearly popped out. "What the hell are you saying? Haven't you been beaten enough?"
Mother Lu tugged at his sleeve, signaling him to hold back—Lu Chengwen clearly had a plan.
Sure enough, his bold move stunned both girls. Lu Chengwen smirked inwardly: Surprised, huh? Thought you were tough? Let's see who backs down first! I'll scare you off with sheer audacity!
Xu Xuejiao, seeing his smug expression, thought, You wish! Aloud, she said, "Fine, I'm in!"
Lu Guanghong's jaw dropped. Kids these days are wild!
Mother Lu was equally shocked. So much bolder than we were! Back in my day, holding hands in public was scandalous!
Leng Qingqiu, picking up on Lu Chengwen's inner thoughts, knew he was testing them. Backing down now would mean defeat. With a cool smile, she said, "Alright, it's settled."
Lu Guanghong and Mother Lu turned to Lu Chengwen in unison, their expressions screaming, Your stupid idea backfired! They're crazy now—how are you going to fix this?
Lu Chengwen was dumbfounded. This actually worked?! Are they insane? Am I that irresistible? He sidled over to a mirror, checking his reflection. Well, I am kind of charming.
Both girls, hearing his thoughts, burst out laughing.
Lu Guanghong and Mother Lu were lost. What's so funny? Did we miss something?
"Uh…" Lu Chengwen stammered, at a loss. "So… um…"
Xu Xuejiao sauntered over and linked arms with him. "Brother Lu, shall I help you with your bath?"
Leng Qingqiu, with a dignified air, added, "I'll run the bathwater for you, Brother."
Lu Chengwen took three steps before freezing. "Stop! Stop, stop, stop! I was wrong! You're both my ancestors—I surrender!"
Leng Qingqiu teased, "Oh, look, Brother Chengwen's chickening out!"
"Exactly!" Xu Xuejiao chimed in. "Weren't you all about 'double trouble'? Given the chance, you're too scared to act! Coward!"
Lu Chengwen yanked his arm free from Xu Xuejiao. "You're nuts! Both of you are nuts!" His head was spinning. "Alright, here's the deal: you two go home for now. I… I need to think. We'll talk tomorrow. Just go!"
Leng Qingqiu and Xu Xuejiao locked eyes again, their gazes brimming with defiance and unyielding pride.
Xu Xuejiao declared, "If she doesn't leave, I'm not leaving."
Leng Qingqiu countered, "She leaves first, then I'll go."
Lu Chengwen threw up his hands. "Fine, I'll leave!"
At that moment, Zhao Gang rushed in. "Master, Madam, Young Master…"
Lu Chengwen snapped, "What now?"
"Miss… Miss Chen from the Chen family… she's here."
Lu Guanghong and Mother Lu exchanged a look.
Lu Guanghong clutched his chest. "Oh no, my heart's acting up!"
Mother Lu seized the chance. "Really? Perfect, I'll take you to the hospital!"
They started to slip away.
Xu Xuejiao called out, "Dad, a heart attack numbs the other arm."
"Oh, right!" Lu Guanghong switched arms, clutching dramatically. "I need a doctor…"
The Syndicate, Snow City Branch
The Helm Master sat on his throne, his face dark with fury.
The Strategist stepped forward. "Helm Master!"
"I've heard," the Helm Master growled. "That damned Iron Lump King hasn't contacted us in over twenty-four hours."
"We need to send someone to clean house immediately," the Strategist urged.
"Let the Red Guard handle their own mess!" the Helm Master snapped. "What else?"
The Strategist continued, "The fifty billion in cash has been transferred to the Great Sage Group's account. The Young Master demands we deliver another sum."
"What?!" The Helm Master shot to his feet. "Fifty billion! That's fifty billion!"
"The issue originated on our end," the Strategist said calmly. "We have to cover it."
The Helm Master sneered. "Do you think I'm a golden-egg-laying hen?"
The Strategist gave a faint smile. "With all due respect, Helm Master, even a hen working overtime couldn't lay eggs worth fifty billion."
The Helm Master glared. "Are you mocking me?"
"No, sir," the Strategist replied hastily. "I mean, we still need to secure the funds."
The Helm Master slammed his fist on the armrest. "Scrape it together! Another fifty billion! And this time, send someone reliable!"
"Yes, Helm Master. It will be done."
_
If you want to support me and read advanced 100+ chapters of this story and also other stories join: patreon.com/Caluem