Qin Jia's morning began lazily. After waking past nine and having a leisurely breakfast, she headed downstairs dressed in the casual outfit gifted by Luo Shiqing. Her car was already waiting. Bodyguard Fifteen greeted her warmly from the driver's seat. "Have you been out here all night?" she inquired while clicking her seatbelt. Fifteen sidestepped the question: "Madam Shen is very concerned for your safety. Bodyguard Seventeen was on duty overnight; I just relieved him this morning."
As the car navigated the dense morning traffic of the business district, Fifteen mentioned a missed call from Shen Yushu. Qin Jia promptly returned the call. Her mother got straight to the point: "Lu Tingzhou's father watched your jewelry competition livestream and was very impressed. He's extended a dinner invitation. Your brother will accompany you. Remember the rules: speak sparingly, eat heartily, and absolutely no alcohol." "Understood," Qin Jia replied calmly.
The Lu Family Dinner Invitation
Early summer had painted Yucheng in vibrant greens. On the appointed evening, Qin Jia brought a basket of freshly picked lychees and loquats from the family orchard as a gift, while Qin Mo prepared an assortment of homemade traditional sweets. During the drive, Qin Mo voiced his apprehension: "I've heard Mr. Lu Fengnian is a man of few words and unpredictable temper. We must tread carefully, or we might face a very cold reception." Sensing his nervousness, Qin Jia offered, "If you're uncomfortable, I can go alone." Qin Mo immediately shook his head, his tone firming up: "Nonsense. I'm your brother. Where you go, I go."
The Lu family residence was a sprawling property blending antique architecture with a serene Chinese-style garden. After crossing an ornamental stone bridge over a koi pond, they were ushered by a traditionally robed butler into a tranquil tea room. "The Master is currently occupied. Dinner will be served in approximately ten minutes," he informed them before withdrawing. Fifteen excused himself to wait elsewhere. Left alone, Qin Mo's anxiety manifested in him drinking nearly half a pot of tea before hurriedly excusing himself to the restroom when summoned by a servant.
Entering the elegantly set dining room, Qin Jia was taken aback to see the table laden entirely with her favorite vegetarian dishes. "Where is Mr. Lu?" she asked the butler. The butler gestured respectfully towards the kitchen: "The Master is personally attending to the final dish."
Through the glass kitchen door, a tall, distinguished middle-aged man could be seen deftly wielding a wok, flames dancing under his control. Moments later, he emerged carrying a steaming platter. With a gentle, welcoming smile, he introduced himself as Lu Fengnian. "These are perilla leaves, freshly picked this morning. Please, try them," he said, placing the dish before her.
While they waited for Qin Mo's return, Lu Fengnian steered the conversation casually. "What is your impression of my son, Tingzhou?" he asked. Qin Jia answered thoughtfully, "We haven't known each other very long, less than two months. On the surface, he appears quite aloof, but I believe he has a warm heart. He is generous to his friends and has always been exceedingly gentle and considerate towards me. He is... a very good person."
Lu Fengnian's smile subtly dimmed. Her earnest praise, while positive, sounded dangerously close to a classic "friendzone" assessment. Just then, a flustered Qin Mo rejoined them, and the meal commenced. The perilla leaves were crispy and uniquely fragrant, while the simple stir-fried asparagus was surprisingly refreshing and delicious. "Uncle Lu, your family chef is truly exceptional!" Qin Mo complimented enthusiastically between bites.
After dinner, as they were leaving, Qin Jia quietly revealed the truth to her brother: "There was no other chef. Mr. Lu cooked all those dishes himself." Qin Mo's face paled instantly. "What?! Did... did I say something wrong? Have I offended him?" he stammered in panic. Qin Jia patted his arm reassuringly. "He seemed genuinely kind. I don't think you offended him at all. Don't overthink it."
Lu Tingzhou's Urgent Return
Meanwhile, in Berlin, Lu Tingzhou was jolted awake by a midnight call from his father. Lu Fengnian's voice was uncharacteristically urgent. "The Shen family from Nancheng is moving to form a marriage alliance with the Qins! Their long-lost grandson, the one they just reunited with—it's that celebrity, Duan Baihan!" he relayed. "More importantly, Qin Jia spoke highly of him today, calling him 'flawless,' while she described you as... 'boring.' You need to return immediately. If you delay, you might truly miss your chance."
Hanging up, Lu Tingzhou swiftly searched the news, confirming the headline: "South City's Richest Man Shen Family Officially Reunites with Grandson, Superstar Duan Baihan." A sense of pressing危机 (crisis) gripped him. Without hesitation, he messaged his secretary to rearrange all schedules and book the earliest possible flight back to Yucheng.
Airport Reunion and the Dating Proposal
The following afternoon at Yucheng International Airport, Qin Jia was saying goodbye to Luo Shiqing with a warm hug near the arrivals gate before heading towards the underground parking lot. As she reached out to press the elevator button, a familiar, well-manicured hand did it just before hers. She looked up in surprise. "Lu Tingzhou? You're back already?"
They stepped into the elevator together. It soon filled with a masked celebrity and an eager crowd of fans. Overloaded and cramped, Qin Jia managed to squeeze out at the next floor, gasping slightly for air. Lu Tingzhou, who had followed her out, silently offered her a bottle of water. "Come to my car," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "There's something important I need to say."
In the secluded backseat of his car, with the soundproof partition raised, the usual cool CEO seemed uncharacteristically tense. He leaned closer, capturing her full attention. "I need to tell you a secret," he began, his voice low. "I possess a kind of superpower..." He paused dramatically, his intense gaze holding hers, before whispering, "...the superpower of liking you so much."
Qin Jia blinked at him, her expression one of pure, unadulterated confusion. "That's not a superpower," she stated matter-of-factly. "That's just... boring."
Lu Tingzhou's confident facade cracked, a flicker of defeat crossing his features. He tried a more direct approach, the urgency clear in his voice. "The Shen family intends for you to marry Duan Baihan. Tell me, do you... like him?"
Qin Jia looked even more perplexed. "Duan Baihan? Oh, my mother mentioned something about a distant relative's grandson being found, but I didn't realize it was him. By the way, my mother's maiden name is Shen. I suppose that technically makes us... vaguely related?"
This revelation left Lu Tingzhou momentarily speechless. As Qin Jia moved to open the car door, he suddenly reached out, his hand encircling her wrist gently but firmly. "Qin Jia," he said, his tone shifting to one of earnest vulnerability, "would you be willing to date me? Properly."
She considered this for a moment, her head tilting slightly. "How about a one-month trial period?" she proposed, her logic pragmatic. "I've read that 28 days is scientifically sufficient to form or break a habit and understand one's true feelings. If, after a month, we find we are not compatible, we part ways amicably."
A wave of relief and determination washed over Lu Tingzhou. He nodded in agreement. Just as Qin Jia turned to leave again, his fingers smoothly interlaced with hers, preventing her retreat. "We only have twenty-eight days," he murmured, a sly, promising smile finally touching his lips as he looked at their joined hands. "We really must make the most of every moment."
Qin Jia felt her fingers tighten reflexively in his grasp. A unfamiliar warmth crept into her cheeks. "What are you doing?" she asked, her usually calm voice carrying a faint tremor.
"Commencing the trial period," Lu Tingzhou replied simply, his dark eyes gleaming with triumphant affection and a spark of playful amusement. "This is what dating looks like."